Having sought Laloo's resignation as CM, will you compromise on the JD presidentship?
The process for election (of the JD president) has already started, so the question is irrelevant. He is a candidate and the decision is in the hands of the party's national council.
See, I am myself not in any party post. Working president is not a post; it is
merely a management job. I am functioning as an ordinary party worker. He, too, has his place and his status in the party will not suffer because it is not determined by post alone.
Won't losing both posts upset Laloo to the extent of splitting the party?
There are always ups and downs in politics and nobody gets demoralised because of it. The party--and I personally--don't want to demoralise him. There is no question of a split.
Will the party stand by Laloo?
Why not? He claims there is a conspiracy against him. If so, the party will combat that conspiracy. We stand for social justice. If there has been any injustice against him, the party is behind him. When the chargesheet comes, he should call everybody to sit together and take a decision. He is not alone in his troubles--and I admit they are deep troubles--because the party believes Laloo's problems are its own.
You had earlier stated that the case against Laloo had no force and that the governor should think twice before permitting a chargesheet. Do you stand by that?
Why the governor has given permission I cannot say. I had read the case and I felt the CBI acted in haste in giving their affidavit and then, in announcing the whole thing on a Sunday. I said the governor should take all this into account. But he is the constitutional head and whatever his decision, that is his prerogative.
Do you feel It was correct on the JD returning officer's part to approach the court to sort out a dispute within the party?
Both groups (in the party) went to court. Samantray went on only one point, to seek the court's protection, which was given. Even at that time, I had advised him not to go. He said he had no choice. However, I believe the judiciary should not be involved in the internal affairs of a political party.
What about the Election Commission? Does it have a right to order organisational elections?
Adhikaar ki baat chhodiye (forget about its rights). I think they are doing good work. To revive democratic institutions is the task of every good citizen in the country.
There are complaints regarding the list of national council members.
The complaints will be dealt with by the party mechanism. Complainants can always approach the returning officers and the disputes committee.
Prime minister Gujral has drawn flak from the UP on his perceived reluctance to take action.
This is not correct. Until there is a chargesheet, how can the prime minister do anything?
