Patna: Newly elected JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar calls for a cleanliness drive in Bihar politics. A staunch follower of Nitish Kumar since the Samata Party days, he believes politics needs to be rid of the influence of money power and criminal elements. In an interview with STOI’s Rakesh Roshan, he discusses his plans, political views and priorities. Excerpts:Having secured a fourth consecutive term from the Patna Graduates’ constituency, how do you assess your work for educated youth and what is your blueprint for the new term?Our party is not led by a single man; it has an ideologue and multi-faceted personalities under Nitish Kumar. His agenda is ours. He introduced commitment to politics and delivered on promises. I have started block-level training centres to build students’ self-confidence and improve their English-speaking and computer skills. Our govt provides training to engineering aspirants for Rs 10 per month and polytechnic aspirants for Rs 5.JD(U) MLA Anant Singh opposed your candidacy and backed Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh. Will this affect the party?First, there is no don. Nitish Kumar established the rule of law, ending bahubalis’ dominance before 2004. They now use “dhanbal” to manipulate people’s mandate. An economic bulldozer should be run over them and their illegally amassed wealth investigated. Otherwise, they will rule from jail and use their wealth to topple a govt, sending the Constitution for a toss. I urge parties not to give tickets to such netas. They pose no threat; my victory proves it.Anant Singh said he would give you Rs 20 crore if you won.I have not seen even a single crore. I have not sold my faith and do not talk to him. What is the difference between gangster Ashok Mahato and Anant Singh? Are they icons like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Swami Sahajanand Saraswati? This is the weakness of politics.People say gangster Surajbhan Singh supported you.No, the whole village and area supported me. I was born in Mokama, so their support was natural.What about your differences with JD(U) MP and Union minister Lalan Singh?He can have his own opinion. I have worked for the party with dedication. I recognise only Nitish Kumar and have never left him. We should not forget him, even when alliances changed.Is Jan Suraaj, particularly Prashant Kishor, a threat?No. Prashant Kishor began his political career on principles and development but gave a ticket to Anuj Singh, who has several cases pending against him. Where is his moral now?You promised to disclose secrets about PK during the campaign. What are they?Wait for the right time. The secrets will come out.
