Doubts were raised about Tejashwi Prasad Yadav when his father, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, was sent to jail. Would he be able to step into his father's shoes? But not only has the young leader of Opposition been able to prove his oratory skills inside the House, under his leadership the RJD has kept its winning streak going. After his party won the Jokihat Assembly bypoll on Thursday, Tejashwi spoke to The Telegraph. Excerpts:

• How do you see the Jokihat win?

The Jokihat seat was bastion of the JDU which occupied it since 2005. Nitish ji himself camped there and used all the tools to win the seat including money power. The entire cabinet was camping in Jokihat because It was matter of pride for Nitishji. You can say that through this victory we have dented the stronghold of Nitish because he always used to claim Jokihat is the seat of the JDU. This is the victory of Lalu vaad (Lalu's ideology) over avsarvaad (opportunism). You can see the margin of the victory; our candidate has got more than double of what the JDU candidate has got. The victory is clear indication for Nitish and the NDA that people will teach them a lesson because they have insulted the people's mandate. Nitish ji must understand that Jokihat ki janta bikau nahi tikau hai (The people of Jokihat are not for sale, they are strong).

• What is the reason behind the JDU's defeat?

The reason is crystal clear. Nitish ji used to say I would rather be finished than go with the BJP. Do you think that people are fools? Nitishji must have forgotten his words but people of Bihar have not. This is the third consecutive bypoll seat we have won after Nitish ji departed from the Grand Alliance - Araria Lok Sabha, Jehanabad, and now Jokihat Assembly seat. Today's results prove that Nitish became CM because of Laluji.

• What should Nitish do now?

I am very sure that as usual he will remain silent. I hope his antaraatma (conscience) will wake up if there is any morality left in him. On moral grounds he tender his resignation to the governor. Today's results prove that people of Bihar are with social justice and secular forces, not with the communal forces. People of Bihar do not consider Nitish the chief minister of Bihar, he is finished now. There are many JDU leaders who are in constant touch with me and whenever we will get the opportunity we will prove our majority on the floor the House.

• Will you accept Nitish if breaks off with the BJP?

My father Lalu ji has already said that even is Nitishji touches his feet he will never take him back. What is the guarantee that he will remain loyal to us because his track record proves that he is the biggest palturam (turncoat). People of Bihar will never forgive us if we take back Nitishji. It is not only Ram Vilas Paswan who can be considered as mausam vaigyanik (weatherman). Now Nitishji is giving tough competition to him because he also knows the art of switching sides to remain in power. But our doors are closed for Nitish.

• Was the vote against Nitish or for Tejashwi?

I am still bachcha (child) in front of my chacha (uncle). I have a lot to things to learn in politics and I am eager to learn. People have voted against the ideology which believes in divide and rule. People have voted against those who use the central investigative agencies to exploit a mass leader like Lalu Prasad ji.

• Do you think the Opposition should take the bypoll as a wake-up call to remain united to defeat the BJP?

Yes, why not. It was my father who showed the path to a fragmented Opposition - to unite in their common goal to dislodge fascist forces. The Opposition saw merit in his vision of consolidation and the result is there to be seen.