Bihar also has a dream about its future

In inflicting a crushing defeat on the BJP, the Mahagathbandhan mainly led by the JD (U) and RJD combine, taught not only a lesson to the Hindutva forces which jumped into the fray alarmingly attacking the moderates and free thinkers from the flanks of the Indian society, but also marked the shape of things to come in future

Bihar today has entered that observable moment of political narrative which could lead to a definitive change in the direction of the country's politics once again. Once again, because it has done so several times in the past.

It had revolted against authority and authoritarian tendencies very decisively be it the 1857 revolt, launch of Satyagraha movement, anti-emergency fight that culminated in the Jayaprakash movement for Total revolution and much later in launching the Mandal movement. Bihar has been consistently voting on caste lines. It could have been no different this time too. But the BJP led NDA allies thought otherwise and placed before the Bihari voters the same authoritarian and intolerance recipe that made the State unite as never before in teaching the Modi government a lesson.

In inflicting a crushing defeat on the BJP, the Mahagathbandhan mainly led by the JD (U) and RJD combine, taught not only a lesson to the Hindutva forces which jumped into the fray alarmingly attacking the moderates and free thinkers from the flanks of the Indian society, but also marked the shape of things to come in future.

Any number of reasons could be cited for the defeat of the BJP which plunged into a suicidal mode once the elections were announced. Though, in the beginning, it seemed that developmental agenda would dominate the public discourse with Narendra Modi himself becoming the face of the NDA campaign, it soon became apparent that the narrative has changed from the last year from inclusive development to divisive agenda.

The more than eager fringe groups made full use of the silence of the BJP leadership and aided and abetted by some self-proclaimed sentinels of culture, these did their best to destroy the chances of the party. The general perception was that there was an air of arrogance to the BJP campaign.

When the BJP president himself contributed to this feeling in saying "pataake phatenge Pakistan mein" if you defeat BJP in Bihar, it amounted to yet another fulcral point. Perhaps he was not conscious of it. And also when - Modi asked the Biharis "how much do you need? How many crores do you need? ....1 lakh crore?"

It was a throwback to the days of Rajah/Maharajas and medieval period war lords. Bihar might be backward and may not be progressing as rapidly like other States. The ease of doing business here could be at the bottom of the scale. People no doubt flocked to the meetings of Modi and Amit Shah. But always went back home judging their attitudes.

A poor and impoverished Bihari never understood the furore over beef eating nor wanted to be told what to eat. The rest of those who tasted social justice in the form of reservations felt threatened by the statement of Mohan Bhagwat on reservations. After all, Nitish was successful in experimenting with his own social engineering concepts that brought, if not cheer, at least hope to the people. Development right-now and here was not their priority.

Hence, the vote in favour of grand alliance was a validation of Nitish Kumar's governance module. The same confidence could not be bestowed on Modi. Like others, Bihar also wants to dream about its future. There is a place for everyone in this dream, including those from all castes, all religions and people of all eating habits.

The vote is also about credibility. When Nitish walked out of the BJP alliance and decided to toe his own line and when Jitin Ram Manjhi revolted or when the JD (U) embraced RJD once again, it was Nitish's word that mattered to the people of Bihar. Moreover, there was no disconnect between the parties and leaderships in case of Lalu and Nitish in this case. That is why the Jungle-Raj comment by Modi against Lalu was dismissed by the people.

Nitish, for this one time, may not have been the most popular or best candidate. But, in the absence of any other contender, he sounded better. There was no duplication or interpolation of Nitish-Lalu narrative at all by any others. But in case of the BJP, the comments of the fringe groups had an overriding effect on those of the main players. In the end what mattered to the voters including the youth and women, the Muslim-Yadav-OBC-EBC combinations, was the sum of all these fears. This sum surmounted even the fear of Yadav domination. That is about the election itself.

What does this mean to Modi-Shah combine? It could be many things. It could force them to reposition themselves against the loose cannons in the party. But they would need the blessings of the Sangh parivar for the same. Asked about the negative impact of the "calculated statement of Mohan Bhagwat" on reservations, a general secretary of the party was in a denial mode in claiming "don't you think that we know what we speak? We have our calculations and we have our assessments". That was before the polling. Whether that smugness still lasts on his face is to be seen.

There could be no immediate effect of the results on the political situation in the country. But, it would strengthen the Opposition's resolve further. It cements their bond further in taking on Modi led BJP. The Parliament could reel under its impact further witnessing no business as far as important bills are concerned. The Government might find the going tough in implementing its economic policies and reforms. Having tasted blood the opposition would not rest. Even its own ally, Shiv Sena has already warned the BJP while congratulating Nitish Kumar for teaching Modi a lesson.

Coming to the Congress, they have lost their moral and political ground further though they managed to win over a score of Assembly seats in these elections. It can claim no credit for anything here having taken a piggy-ride on the back of Nitish.

Moreover, the image of Nitish and his stature growing further to the national level means that the Congress would have to continue watching his moves and try to accommodate itself in some manner or the other with any coalition of forces that could be thrown up.

Bihar has thrown up myriad possibilities. Bihar has taught the difference between a positive campaign and a divisive drive. By the by, a cow is as venerable to a Bihari as it is to the Sangh parivar or the BJP.

By W Chandrakanth