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How do you see LJP’s future?
LJP’s future is bright now that we are considering alternative alliances. That decision will definitely be taken in the interest of the party. We believe the topmost priority is national interest, followed by party interest and then any individual’s interest. Now, whatever the party decides will be in the interest of the party..
How do you view Narendra Modi as a leader?
See, I have nothing much to say on it because I have not interacted with him personally. Whatever that I know of him is through via-media. To be honest, I don’t’ have much to say about him.
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Yesterday, we had our parliamentary board meeting and it was decided that since there was a deadlock in the existing alliance the party needs to look forward to an alternative alliance. So, when you talk of alternative alliances there are a couple of other alliances also which the party is considering and we haven’t taken a final call over it.
Do you think an alliance with the BJP will benefit the LJP?
See, these are things that party is still thinking on. So, if we think it will be a mutually beneficial alliance we will go ahead with it, or as we said our options are open right now.
Do you miss your career in the film industry?
Right now I am a full-fledged politician, and there hasn’t really been a transition. This is what I have known best, this is my comfort zone and this is what I have seen for most of my life. So, politics comes very naturally to me. My affair with Bollywood was something really new and yes I had planned that I will have couple of more years in Bollywood but before I could actually realise I was very much active in politics. Now there is no looking back.
But do you miss that world?
Not exactly! See, I was very clear that eventually it is going to be politics. I was very clear from right from day one that eventually it is going to be politics. So sooner or later it was supposed to happen.
How do you react to criticism about dynasty?
I find it a bit unfair. You would be accused of running away from your responsibilities if you don’t take up politics and if you do then people would turn around to tell you that you are perpetuating dynastic politics.
Your father has strong positions on socialism, secularism.
See, my father has very strong ideology and he never compromised on it at any stage of his life, even when he was a part of the NDA because of what he felt about the minorities he resigned from that government as cabinet minister because he felt that right decisions were not being taken. See, at no stage in his life he has compromised on his ideology and whatever alliance he was part of and whatever alliance that he will be part of one thing is clear he is not going to compromise on any such matters or issues. And I appreciate that and I respect that but now because party there is a young generation so there are a couple of new approaches as well and I wish we go ahead with what we mutually agree. So, right now the case is that either I convince him or he convinces me.
Is he receptive to your ideas?
Very much and that is what gives me the confidence that whatever that I think I am able to communicate that to him and he listens and he acknowledges it and if he thinks it is right he gives his nod as well.
What about other leaders in the party?
I have also got a very good response and because I have always been part of my father’s political journey so I wasn’t a new person or idea to anyone. I have been interacting with all my party leaders from much before. But now it is with a lot more authority when I say something because I hold a position in the party now. So, yes there is a more serious look to my ideas now.
It isn’t that you have always had an easy life. You have lived a one room flat.
Yes. so I hate it when it is said that I have been born with a silver spoon. Look I am not, I have struggled, I have travelled in auto-rickshaws myself. So, it wasn’t like this always. So, I know how life is on the other side as well and for me still a rupee is 100 paise, it matters.
