I was not keen to become Railway Minister: Lalu

New Delhi, Oct 16 (UNI) Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, who has lent the Midas touch to his ministry by scripting the most spectacular success story of the post-liberalisation phase, was not keen to get this portfolio in the Manmohan Singh Cabinet! This defies the popular notion that the coveted ministry was a bone of contention between Mr Prasad and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan in May 2004 when the UPA Cabinet was being given the final shape by the prime minister.

''I was not keen to get Railway Ministry simply because of the train accidents, which have become a routine affair. Then, people were also skeptical that I would not be able to revitalise the Railways, which was written off by ahigh-powered committee in 2001,'' Mr Prasad told reporters on the sidelines of a FICCI conference here today.

He attributed the phenomenal success to the ''honesty, integrity and team spirit'' of the 14 lakh strong work force of the Railways and a congenial work atmosphere.

''I assured the railwaymen that there would be no privatisation of the Railways and hence there would be no retrenchment,'' he said.

About his ''failure'' to do much for Bihar as its chief minister for 15 years, Mr Prasad said, ''One can work efficientloy only when there is total peace of mind, and without peace there is no prosperity.'' He said his opponents got him and his wife embroiled in a number court cases, and it was difficult to work properly. ''I am devoting my full attention to the Railways, and the results are there to see for everyone. However, I would like everyone in the Railways to deliver.'' UNI SKS RL RAI1250