Journalism of Courage
People from Bihar settled in the financial capital of Mumbai have in general hailed the verdict in Bihar and called it a vote for development and hoped Nitish Kumar quickly forms the government and keeps promises. At the same time, several apprehensions were also aired.
Home-maker Sanjita Shrivastava from Bihar who has lived in Thane for over 20 years, followed the developments closely. “My apprehension is whether this could be a second jungle raj,” she told The Indian Express. “No doubt, Nitish did a good job. But Lalu can blackmail Nitish. He can be a demanding partner. After all, both Lalu’s sons won. Besides, the Rashtriya Janata Dal won more seats than the Janata Dal (United), so this could certainly pose a problem for Nitish.” Srivastava said it’s sad Bihar continues to struggle with caste politics, as seen in this elections.
Writer Neeraj Kumar called it “very unfortunate” that people voted the NDA out. “It’s sad for Bihar, and for national politics. I have seen how Lalu ruled Bihar. Nitish had 116 seats the last election, and that is down to 68. While Lalu has gone from 22 seats to 75,” Neeraj said. “Lalu’s caste politics has come into action again.”
Like many, Neeraj fears Lalu won’t allow Nitish to work, though the latter had proved his mettle earlier.
Neeraj counts himself among a section of Biharis who may not support the BJP but are clear RJD should not be in power. “Anti-social elements will thrive again. I am travelling in Darbhanga. Saw RJD men brandishing guns at rallies,” he observed.
Shrivastava pointed out that educated Biharis had left home for better prospects, leaving behind locals who could be easily swayed. “Beef politics backfired on BJP, and artistes returning awards may have played a role in defining the average Bihari vote. Plus there was animosity among local BJP leaders,” Srivastava said, adding she’s now pinning hopes on Nitish getting to work expeditiously.
Harsh Kumar, a media professional, called the result “astonishing”. How Nitish manipulates numbers and ensures he has the upper hand will define Bihar’s governance, he said. Biharis in Mumbai observed that upper castes back home are unhappy with the result. “Nitish has done some good work, but is going to be held back by Lalu,” Harsh said.
Vidyanath Chaudhry, a watchman at a Nariman Point building, is thrilled. Chaudhry, an economics honours graduate, said, “Even though there is little to no development under Lalu, he learnt from mistakes.” The BJP, Chaudhry said, fell prey to its own poll pitch of projecting religion over development.
“Stay away from Hindu-Muslim issue, it is no longer relevant,” said Neeraj, as a word of advice for the BJP.
