PASSION FOR THE CHAIR, DRAMA OF FRIENDSHIP-ENMITY AND THE GAME OF ‘FLIP-FLOP’ JUGGLERS!

PASSION FOR THE CHAIR, DRAMA OF FRIENDSHIP-ENMITY AND THE GAME OF ‘FLIP-FLOP’ JUGGLERS!

18-JULY-ENG 16

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA------------------------Bihar politics is a pitch full of ups and downs, where the political game turns on every ball! There is no permanent friend here, no permanent enemy; there is only the indomitable passion for the chair and the explosive tricks played to reach it. This is such a political drama, in which every character is a story in itself, and every story makes one wait for the next turn.

If there is one name in Bihar politics that has caused the most political upheaval, then it is Nitish Kumar. From the title of 'Sushasan Babu' to the title of 'Flip-flop', his journey is no less than a film thriller. In 2005, when he challenged Lalu Raj along with BJP, a new chapter began in Bihar. Light came on the streets, law and order improved and Nitish built the image of 'Vikas Purush'.

But, no one knows when the political wheel took a U-turn. Breaking ties with BJP in 2013, then joining hands with arch-rival Lalu Prasad Yadav in 2015 and forming the 'Mahagathbandhan' government… this was a move that surprised everyone. The only discussion in the corridors of Bihar was whether the friendship of Lalu-Nitish would bear fruit? But this seemingly unbreakable friendship did not last long either. In 2017, Nitish suddenly distanced himself from the Mahagathbandhan on the pretext of corruption allegations and again formed the government with the BJP. This one decision gave him the title of 'Turnimaar', but his hold on the chair became stronger.

Political pundits of Bihar still wonder what will be Nitish Kumar's next 'Turnipahad' in 2025? Will he once again form a new political alliance for the chair or will he trust his old allies?

On one hand, there are Nitish's political maneuvers, and on the other, there is the legacy of Lalu Prasad Yadav, the most charismatic and controversial leader of Bihar politics. Despite the fodder scam charges and jail sentence, Lalu's 'lantern' (RJD's election symbol) is still burning in Bihar. Even without him, his party, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is one of the largest parties in Bihar.

The way his son, Tejashwi Yadav, has taken charge of the party in Lalu's absence is no less than a political storm. Young Tejashwi has not only kept the RJD united, but has also forced the opponents to think with his fiery speech style and aggressive attitude. In the 2020 assembly elections, Tejashwi single-handedly strengthened the Mahagathbandhan and gave a tough fight to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Even today, Tejashwi Yadav is the biggest face of the opposition in Bihar. Will Tejashwi be able to rule the hearts of the common people like his father? Will the Lalu family dominate Bihar again in the light of the 'lantern'? This question echoes in the streets of Bihar in every election season, because Lalu's legacy and Tejashwi's struggle, both are the most exciting stories of Bihar politics.

The game of friendship and enmity in Bihar, which changes the dice every time!

In Bihar politics, alliance is not just an electoral agreement, but an arena, where the dice turns on every move. Here no party can dream of coming to power on its own. Before and after elections, political friends and enemies change like the direction of the wind.

In this 'gathbandhan-gama', small parties and independent MLAs also become kingmakers. Even a small number of them is enough to shake the equation of power. It has often been seen in Bihar that alliances are formed for the purpose of attaining power rather than ideology. Here no one knows when an old opponent will embrace and when a close friend will stab in the back.

Alliance politics will also play a central role in the upcoming 2025 assembly elections. While the tussle over the face of the Chief Minister's post continues in the Mahagathbandhan, the BJP is also busy coordinating with its allies. Which new 'game' will be played this time on the political chessboard of Bihar, who will come with whom and who will betray whom, this is really the biggest question to see.

The politics of Bihar has always been surprising, vibrant and dramatic. The leaders here are known for their direct connection with the people, changing equations and unexpected events. It will be interesting to see what new color the politics of Bihar takes in the coming times and which 'political baazigar' will rule the chair of Bihar.