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Temporary bamboo structures installed at the official residence of the BJP MLA in Patna and (above) Rameshwar Chourasia. Pictures by Deepak Kumar |
BJP legislator Rameshwar Chourasia has allowed friendship to win over political rivalry.
Known to be a vocal critic of chief minister Nitish Kumar and close to his Gujarat counterpart Narendra Modi, Chourasia has conformed to the dharma of coalition of politics by vacating his official residence to accommodate JD(U) workers who will come to Patna for the November 4 Adhikar Rally of their party.
When The Telegraph visited Chourasia’s residence at 25/M Strand Road in south Patna on Friday, temporary bamboo structures were also being constructed in the garden for JD(U) workers who will arrive on November 3.
“It is true that BJP is not associated with the JD(U)’s Adhikar Rally but building construction minister Damodar Raut, who is a good friend, requested me to provide my residence to accommodate workers of his party,” said Chourasia.
He added: “As it is I am outside the state most of the time. Also, this is not my personal property; it belongs to the government. So, I have no problem hosting the JD(U) workers.”
The JD(U) programme to give fillip to the demand of special status to Bihar is scheduled on November 4. The ministers and legislators of the party are accommodating workers who are coming in from the different districts. Rajya Sabha member Sabir Ali has also booked a train from Raxaul to ferry Dal supporters to Patna.
But Chourasia’s generous gesture has raised sceptical eyebrows, especially as his own party is organising a Hunkar Rally (on April 15, 2013) at Gandhi Maidan.
For the legislator, however, it is like water off a duck’s back. “There is nothing to comment on,” he said.
Asked if he was facing any inconvenience, Chourasia said: “I had planned to cultivate potato in my garden. But this morning (Friday), I saw bamboos in the garden. The minister (Damodar Raut) requested me to grow potatoes after November 4. It hardly makes a difference to me.”
He added: “Every political party survives with the support of its grassroots workers. The BJP is a national party and understands this very well. I have given my residence to the JD(U) workers and not any individual.”
Chourasia also said there was no hair-splitting over the demand for special status. “We all support this demand. It is unanimous — it is not the prerogative of an individual; everyone is connected to it.”
But he does not mince words while expressing his opinions of the Adhikar Rally. “The party is organising this rally but I am doubtful if people will turn up in large numbers and make it a success,” said Chourasia.
He is also not shy of his reputation as a critic of the chief minister. “Yes, I am critical of his policies that are not in favour of the people,” said Chourasia.
He is, however, quick to add: “There is nothing personal. I am not critical of any person. I have always raised my voice against policies not persons.”
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