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Articles: Interview | Mere ko pagal kutte...
- Prof. 00782 Maverick
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Rahul Bajaj: I have reservations and qualms about India and the Indian poor. I
have no qualms for any party. And my grandfather was like Mahatma Gandhi's
fifth son. He worked for the constructive activities of Mahatma Gandhi only
because he said so.
Karan Thapar: But would he have been proud that his grandson has sought support
form the Shiv Sena?
Rahul Bajaj: There was no Shiv Sena that time. He would have been proud that I
have been helping India and the poor of India. He couldn't care two hoots about
which party.
Karan Thapar: Alright let's come to another issue. You have said that in fact
you had no intention of standing until Sharad Pawar rang you up. I believe he
rang you from London. What was it that he said that so convinced you that you
changed your mind about politics?
Rahul Bajaj: He has known it for sometime that after I handed over the day to
day running of my company, Bajaj Auto and the group, to my brothers to my
children that I had some free time on my hand and we used to joke about it. I
used to say that I am not going to muzzle my voice. I cannot get elected,
forget Lok Sabha at 68.
Karan Thapar: Can I interrupt?
Rahul Bajaj: Absolutely. This time I will allow you.
Karan Thapar: Did he simply know you had free time or did he also believe that
you had a lurking desire to be a MP and he was fulfilling it?
Rahul Bajaj: I am coming to that. If you let me speak otherwise I will keep
quiet and listen to you all the time. No problem with me. I will save my voice.
He knew all about it. He is a very close friend and I am proud to have him as a
friend and those who don't like him that's their problem.
Karan Thapar:But that is not the question I asked. Come back to the question,
what did he say that convinced you?
Rahul Bajaj: He knew that I was not dying to get into the Rajya Sabha, that I
was interested in getting in but as I used to tell him I am not a member of a
political party, I have never worked for a political party why should a Rajya
Sabha seat also be given to me. The only way I can commit is either as a
nominee or you give money to a political party. I don't want to come that way.
That is disrespectful.
Karan Thapar: Forgive me. Don't tell me what you told him. Tell me what he told
you.
Rahul Bajaj: He asked if you are interested in coming. I said yes but how. I am
not going to be a member of your party. He said as an Independent, supported by
BJP, Shiv Sena, myself-guaranteed 180 seats. I said I only want two conditions:
Independent, he said no problem. I said I want unanimous, forget about it there
are just four parties in Maharashtra which matter.
Karan Thapar: In other words you want Congress support?
Rahul Bajaj: I said I did.
Karan Thapar: What did he say to that?
Rahul Bajaj: He said I cannot assure you. He said 'once you confirm I will
speak to Ahmed Patel, Praful Patel will speak to Ahmed Patel and you speak to
Soniaji.
Karan Thapar: And did you?
Rahul Bajaj: Immediately I rang up.
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