Does Sonia pay my salary: Bajaj

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Keywords: Rahul Bajaj, Devil\'s Advocate

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.

Karan Thapar: What did Sonia say?

Rahul Bajaj: But she rang up around 1635 hrs. This was Sunday, June 4, the last date and time for filing the nomination in Mumbai and I was in Pune when the call came.

Karan Thapar: In other words before she rang you, you had already filed the nomination?

Rahul Bajaj: No. This was Monday 3 pm and this was Sunday.

Karan Thapar: Then what was the problem?

Rahul Bajaj: I had confirmed to Sharad and Praful and by that time Advani Ji and by that time Balasaheb Thakerey that yes I am standing.

Karan Thapar: Can I interrupt your flow. Did you ask Sonia Gandhi in that conversation for Congress support?

Rahul Bajaj: 100 per cent.

Karan Thapar: And what did she say?

Rahul Bajaj: I don’t want to misquote her, and this is personal talk, I don’t want to say many things.