There is more than what meets the eye if we are to make sense of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. In my views, attempts and efforts are being made to leverage from the situation. Thanks to the strong anti-incumbency tide against our dear Nitish Kumar, popular as Sushasan babu in the state, instead of opting for the modernization and transformation of the state resources, he chose to argue for social welfare schemes and measures.
But who even benefitted from the introduction and inauguration of these schemes? Why are there still glaring gaps in the allocation and award of resources? Why do lower schedule castes and economically backward communities continue to languish far behind? Standing behind Nitish babu as solid vote banks, what have they achieved so far? They would have long abandoned Nitish Kumar had it not been for the lack of alternatives and options.
LJP’s stand on contesting the elections independently of Nitish has made the latter annoyed, anxious and restless. A backup plan forced by the BJP to cut Nitish to size cost him a fair amount of seats. Drawn by haste and hurry, BJP wants to have its own chief minister in the state. Not one but many are up for the race of Chief Ministership of Bihar in the BJP.
Nityanand Rai, Nandkishore Yadav, Sanjay Jaiswal but I guess it will be too early to call it an election. Nitish might enter into a post-poll understanding with the Grand Alliance if such a situation was to follow. A shrewd and smart politician who has mastered the art and craft of electioneering. Otherwise, he would have never forced his way out from the Grand Alliance in July 2017 taking everybody by surprise.
Leave aside the arithmetics of alliances, Nitish hasn’t corrected his code and conduct as the Chief Minister of the state and as leader of his party. Nitish babu, we Biharis are looking for the betterment of our being, livelihood and sustenance. Ensure the worth and dignity of our people who are migrating to other states for fulfilling their basic economic aspirations. During the lockdown period, they were the worst sufferers being deprived and denied on many counts.
Investments and innovation should be facilitated in the state by doing away with the ‘Politics of Package’. It is a grossly unfair and humiliating exercise before the elections. No, we are not here for a special status but for reinvigorating and reassessing the blueprint through which we can bring the lost pride and glory of our state back. This election is not going anywhere from your hands, Mr Kumar.
Let me tell you this frankly. You will be required to amend your ties in case of a post-poll understanding with Grand Alliance and it can’t be ruled out. Politics is a game of possibilities, isn’t it, Mr Kumar? I urge you to get real and not rhetorical. Truly, this election is more than what meets the eye.