'People know me as Bihari babu. Still, I was not asked to campaign for the elections'.
'It is high time the Bharatiya Janata Party paid attention to the voices of reason. Till my last breath I will say that I am a soldier of the BJP'.
In an interview with Subhash K Jha, Shatrughan Sinha asks his opponents within the BJP some pertinent questions.
Your party's defeat in Bihar has raised the question that why you did not campaign for the elections?
I want to ask the same question from the party. I am an MP from Patna with a record margin of victory in the Lok Sabha elections. People know me as 'Bihari Babu'. Still, I was not asked to campaign for the elections. That notwithstanding, I took an initiative and gave dates to my party on October 6, 7, 8, 24, 25 and 26. My party's high command accepted my offer and even expressed their happiness at it.
Then what happened?
Then nothing! They didn't get back to me with any of the logistics like how I would travel, where I would go, stay, etc. All the dates I gave to the party went waste. They didn't even put my photo or name on any of the election hoardings or posters.
Wasn’t leaving you out in Bihar campaign absurd?
Yes. I could see things were not going well. I could see the writing on the wall. When Nitish babu and Laluji joined hands, I knew there was trouble ahead for our party. But these people refused to see it. They were like, hum toh doobe hain sanam tumhe bhi le doobenge (I am drowning and will make you drown too).
After you expressed dissent, a party colleague compared you with a ‘dog’?
Now what can I say? Should I stoop to their level? I tweeted saying, ‘Haathi chale Bihar, dot-dot-dot bhaunke hazaar’. These are the same people whom I helped in getting votes during the Lok Sabha elections.
Maybe they feel the prime minister would be pleased with them if they criticise you?
Yes, this is the culture of sycophancy. It is the jee-huzoori (yes-man) culture. After such a humiliating defeat, they are wasting time in calling me names.
Now your mentor L K Advani has also spoken up against the BJP high-command?
I only want to say that it is high time the party paid attention to the voices of reason. I don't want to say anything negative during Diwali when there is a festive mood. We should keep good thoughts at this time.
You met Lalu Yadav and Nitish Kumar after the election results. Does it mean you are joining them?
Till my last breath I will say that I am a soldier of the BJP. I met them in a healthy spirit of appreciation and sportsmanship. There was no other reason.
Since when has politics become healthy in our country?
I believe in it. Honesty and transparency are my guiding principles in politics. As an MP from Patna, it was only proper protocol that I meet my political colleagues who have won. Such positive politicking was practiced by my idols like Jai Prakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani. I believe my political opponents are not my enemies. I feel all politicians are part of the same community which is dedicated to make our country and society better.
Isn’t it way too idealistic?
Maybe I am being unrealistic. But I don't see Nitish babu or Laluji as my enemies. They are part of the same family. Even Narendra Modiji congratulated them. If I embraced them and congratulated them, why is it being seen as a sign of a crossing over?
Asking again, is there a chance of you joining hands with Nitish Kumar?
Look, every action has an equal reaction. So far, the BJP is my first and last party. I am not going anywhere unless they take any action against me.
That they are not doing.
Then I am here. I am just showing them the mirror.
