The electoral drumbeat in Bihar is once again upon us, and as I read reports like "Bihar polls: NDA banks on reinforced alliance, welfare schemes to do well in opposition strongholds" [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nda-banks-on-reinforced-alliance-welfare-schemes-to-do-well-in-opposition-strongholds/articleshow/125119850.cms], I find myself reflecting on the enduring patterns of Indian politics. The strategies being deployed—reinforced alliances and the promise of welfare schemes—are not new, yet their efficacy remains a central question.
The Dance of Alliances
The current emphasis on a "reinforced alliance" by the NDA in Bihar brings to mind my observations from years past. I wrote about the concept of "Marriages of convenience" in politics, noting how "Floor Managers and Business Brokers will swing into action to weave a complex web of Mergers and Acquisitions ( M & A )" Marriage Season Is Upon Us. This intricate dance of forming coalitions, whether pre-poll or post-poll, has always been a fundamental aspect of our democratic process.
Indeed, I have long advocated for a more institutionalized approach to coalition governments, as I explored in blogs like "Will MahaGathBandhan Steal A March?" [http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2018/06/will-mahagathbandhan-steal-a-march.html] and "Your Time Is Up" [http://emailothers.blogspot.com/2018/06/your-time-is-up.html]. I suggested that true federalism could emerge from such structures, ensuring stability rather than the "daily tamaashaa of elections after elections" and "horse trading." Seeing these alliances play out, with leaders like Nitish Kumar at the helm, whose political endurance is noted even in the face of potential anti-incumbency Little sign of anti-incumbency or voter fatigue, why Nitish Kumar endures in Bihar, reaffirms the strategic importance of such political alignments.
Welfare and the Voter’s Pulse
The question of whether "welfare schemes will work in opposition strongholds" is a crucial one. It touches upon the very heart of voter motivation. While freebies and promises are perennial election tools, as highlighted by figures like Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi who are active in the first phase of the Bihar battle, I've always believed that voters, the 'Aam Aadmi', are not "Mere Fools" A Tale of Two Chief Ministers. They observe and they remember.
The allure of welfare schemes is strong, yet the underlying sentiment of the electorate can often be a "Wind of Change," capable of ushering in new political landscapes, as I noted in 2013 Winds of Change. The invoking of socialist icon Karpoori Thakur's legacy as "the flavour of Bihar elections" The OG 'Jan Nayak': Why Karpoori Thakur is the flavour of Bihar elections suggests a deeper yearning for social justice and integrity, beyond mere handouts.
Faces of the Election
The Bihar polls bring many prominent figures to the forefront. We see Tejashwi Yadav, alongside two Deputy CMs and thirteen ministers, engaging in the first phase of the battle Bihar polls: Tejashwi Yadav, 2 deputy CMs, 13 mantris in 1st-phase Bihar battle today. Their actions, much like those of Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi, are keenly watched. On the other side, figures like Manoj Jha are actively raising concerns, even writing to the Election Commission regarding alleged violations RJD's Manoj Jha writes to EC; accuses NDA govt of violating MCC. Even new faces like folk singer Maithili Thakur are stepping into the political arena, filing nominations and claiming local blessings Bihar elections: Folk singer Maithili Thakur files nomination from Alinagar; claims blessings from locals 'inspire' her.
I recall my comparison between Nitish Kumar's dharna and Arvind Kejriwal (arvindkejriwal@aamaadmiparty.org)'s approach in Delhi A Tale of Two Chief Ministers. It showcased that even in protest and governance, leaders employ vastly different "means," which ultimately shape public perception and electoral outcomes. The political narrative, at times, can feel like a performance, reminding me of Herr Gobbels' notion that repeating a lie a hundred times can make it accepted as truth When Will People Win?. However, in the long run, the collective wisdom of the voters often prevails. Even figures like former Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, who led a coalition despite his party having fewer seats, exemplifies the complex give-and-take in Indian politics Will MahaGathBandhan Steal A March?.
The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up thoughts on coalition dynamics, the interplay of promises and public sentiment, and the theatrical nature of politics years ago. I had already predicted the challenges of coalition dharma and the need for greater accountability. Now, seeing how things are unfolding in Bihar, it's striking how relevant those earlier insights still are. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.
The Bihar elections, therefore, are more than just a local battle; they are a microcosm of the larger political landscape, mirroring the eternal interplay of power, promises, and public will.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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