Swatting away the confident prediction of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav of the mahagathbandhan's victory in the Bihar elections, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manhji on Sunday said that the former was known for making 'peculiar and baseless prophecies' while adding that he is ready to be the chief minister again, if the people want him to be.
"Lalu may have had a particular advantage at some point which is why you can see him bragging right now. The mahagathbandhan has failed and the BJP-led leadership in Bihar is inching close to the target to 180 seats," Manjhi told ANI.
Talking about his chances of becoming the chief minister again, Manjhi said that he had never lobbied or thrown his weight around to take his old post.
"I have never expressed my desire to become the chief minister nor have I ever declared myself to be the chief ministerial candidate. But if a situation arises where the people want me to become their leader, then will not back away from my responsibility and duties and will take my place," Manjhi said.
He asserted that Bihar was not ready to see a repeat of Jungle Raj and that will be reflected in the results this polls.
"Nitish's government won't come back again. Everything is at a breaking point as it is with Bihar witnessing Jungle Raj right now. When Nitish broke off from the BJP in 2013 there were rampant rapes, farmer suicides, and bank robberies. It will be a black day in Bihar if Jungle Raj makes a comeback," Manjhi said.
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Before the counting began for the Bihar polls earlier today, a buoyant Lalu met reporters at his residence here and greeted them saying 'Good morning, we are winning'.
He asserted that the Grand Alliance was winning without a doubt and said he would answer every question in the evening.
On the last day of voting in Bihar yesterday, Lalu had said that that the Grand Alliance would win 190 of the 243 seats.
"Nitish was and is our candidate for Chief Minister. Even if the RJD gets more seats, Nitish will be Chief Minister" Lalu said.
Exit polls at the end of the fifth and final phase of polling for the 243-seat Bihar assembly on Thursday indicated an advantage to the Mahagathbandhan over the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), while the Chanakya has predicted otherwise.