New Delhi: Finally, Union Minister Shatrughan Sinha has thrown his hat into the ring to take on Laloo Prasad Yadav-led RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) in Bihar in the next Assembly elections due shortly after next Lok Sabha elections.

"If the party entrusts to me this challenge, I am prepared to give up my Union Minister-ship tomorrow," Sinha told reporters in an interview, upset over condition of his home state Bihar.

He said in the last 12 years there has not been a single area in which Bihar has registered any progress, but "we can point out many areas which have witnessed alarming decline".

Asked if he would accept the challenge of leading BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) in the next Assembly elections if the party high command so desired, he said, "Yes, I am fully prepared for this. I will accept this challenge and see to it that BJP forms the next Government in the state."

Willing to give up the Union Minister-ship for this, Sinha said, "I am a dedicated worker of the party and if the leadership wants me to give up the ministership to look after Bihar I am prepared to do so from tomorrow itself."

Sinha said, "I am ready to take on anyone for the betterment of Bihar and I want not only a change in power in the state but a change of overall system."

He said he wanted a Government in Bihar "which would not tolerate corruption, would not let people be terrorised and would ensure an administration responsive to the people."

PTI