"I know some people say I can be funny. But there is always a deeper meaning to what I say. I am a socialist at heart and have the interests of the poor in mind."

"I will make Bihar's roads as smooth as Hema Malini's cheeks," Lalu one's declared. In fact, Hema Malini calls herself a 'fan' of Lalu Prasad.

On apprehensions over increasing wagon loads, Lalu said, "Wagon is the bread-earning horse of the Railways. Load it adequately. Make it run and don't stable it."

On India's performance in the 2007 Cricket World Cup: "Even Bihari villager like me can play better than the Indian team."

"I've not given them (the poor people of Bihar) heaven, but I've given them a voice," on what he has done for Bihar.

"Indian Railways is the responsibility of Lord Vishwakarma. So is the safety of passengers. . . It is his duty, not mine. I have been forced to don His mantle," Lalu is said to have blurted out when questioned over the rising number of train accidents.

Prime Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav? "Yes, that is my vision. But I will not quarrel for prime ministership," he said.

"People all over the world want to know how the son of a cowherd has risen to such heights. Their interest in me is a victory of Indian democracy," Lalu quipped when asked why the world is curious about him.

Image: Lalu Yadav shares a light moment with Bharatiya Janata Party Members of Parliament, including Hema Malini.

Photograph: Raveendran/AFP/Getty Images