What will be the course of action for the NF-LF in the event of no party getting a clear majority?
The NF-LF will form the government. That is my promise. A non-Congress non-BJP government will be in power at the Centre because our alliance will win the election. And we will win all 54 seats in Bihar.
If there is a hung Parliament, will you support the Congress to keep out the BJP?
The question doesn't arise. They are two sides of the same coin. This is proved by the fact that the BJP has withdrawn candidates from both the constituencies from where the prime minister is contesting.
What about the Congress minus Rao?
With or without Rao, we will not help the Congress form the Government.
If the Left parties decide to do so?
They will not do anything of the sort.
On what basis do you say that the NF-LF will "win the election"?
Why? What about Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh (with Mulayam), Andhra Pradesh and other parts of the country? We will win enough seats. Every party has its area of dominance. The BJP will not win any seats in south and north-east India. The Congress has been wiped out in north India.
But you have had problems in calling on board all the regional parties. Hasn't that affected your chances?
All that was only because of the fight over tickets. In the post-poll scenario, all the anti-Congress and anti-BJP forces will come together. It doesn't matter if they are all fighting the election separately.
What about N.D. Tiwari and Arjun Singh?
It is possible.
And the BSP?
That is a closed chapter now. Anyway, it doesn't matter any more. We tried to take them along in Uttar Pradesh in the interest of social justice, but they did not agree. Now, the Dalits, the minorities and the poor of every caste have consolidated behind our alliance in Uttar Pradesh. It is not enough for the BSP to have a good slogan or aim. The leaders also have to possess charitra (character). But they are far too arrogant, especially Mayawati.
Your supporters have been projecting you as the prime ministerial candidate of the NF-LF. Yet, you have stated that Jyoti Basu should be the combine's candidate for prime ministership.
Jyoti Basu is a very dear and highly respected leader. It will all be decided amicably after the polls. I can, however, say that only that person whom Bihar wants as prime minister will succeed. Whoever we back, will be prime minister.
