Have accepted Vibhishan tag, now have to identify Ravan and destroy him: Jitan Ram Manjhi

Nitish Kumar drew parallels between my act of defiance and Vibhishan’s rebellion. I have accepted the tag and my job now is to identify Ravan and work towards his destruction.

How do you react to the inclusion of Lovely Anand, wife of Anand Mohan, who is in jail in connection with the murder case of Dalit DM G Krishnaiah?

Anand Mohan has been a victim of political conspiracy. JD (U) leaders sat on a dharna in his support a few years ago. Nitish Kumar had also gone to meet his mother and express solidarity. I have respect for the judiciary but I am against such political vendetta. If we are able to form the government, we will try to free Anand Mohan.

What does your party expect from the BJP?

My party has just got recognition. I have always maintained that I want to be respected as an alliance partner. We will soon talk about seat-sharing.

Is attacking Nitish Kumar your only poll plank?

I had spoken up for the Mahadalits and was removed as the CM. That factor remains, but I also have questions related to development for them. For example, why the number of private schools is increasing if the government is spending so much money on education. There is surely something wrong with the concept of “quality” education.

How would you explain the shift in your politics, from a fight against the upper castes to an agenda for development? Was it planned?

Whatever I spoke during my term as CM was spontaneous. I spoke my mind and some cabinet colleagues backed me. Nothing was planned. I did not target any specific caste and made every statement in a context. I wanted to show I was not a rubber stamp. Now, I am focusing on development. I had taken some landmark decisions which were rolled back and then reimplemented by Nitish.

You have not said anything controversial in the past five months

It is not required. I am focusing on Dalit empowerment and want to ask why the government could not implement the common school system. I am now speaking up for rights of larger section of the deprived class.

But, what had prevented you from taking up Dalit causes in your three-decade-old political career?

It is not natural for a Dalit leader to speak against his political bosses. Had I opened my mouth before, I would not have reached the CM seat. I was chosen because I kept a low profile. In a way, I have broken free now.