A Sincere Victory

After watching today's mandate, to say that the People of Bihar have spoken would be an understatement. They have yelled , shouted and with one unanimous resounding voice. A voice that cuts cast, religion and class. Nitish Kumar and company have marked a remarkably huge victory. Remarkable because Bihar has never seen an election like this before. A campaign that was remarkably mature because there was no populism , no ridiculous promises like free this, free that e.g. free rice, free electricity, loan waivers. The victory was based on solid substantive campaign. A water-shed election because it shows that in India you won election based on development  and progress. Good governance is good for elections in India. No longer the Indian Voter is interested in the divisive politics of cast and religion. A Water-Shed Election for Bihar and for India. It was an election that gives us hope.

Recently I checked a report by a Mumbai NGO that stated that Mumbai's four top pharmaceutical companies and two security agencies have more than 25 thousand Biharis working in them. From Noida everyday more than thousand money orders are sent to different regions in Bihar; remember money is send on daily basis. The State running on this Money Order Economy has once again selected Nitish Kumar with a hope that at last such a Bihar will be established with a potential and reputation that will bring back the natives who have left their families and lands in search for jobs.

In the last five year lots of accomplishments have been bagged by Nitish Kumar.

• In four years around 1600 small and big bridges have been constructed
• When India was facing recession during that time in Bihar, the automobile market grew by 45%
• Economic growth climbed to 11%
• Law and Order improved a lot that brought life to the business 
• As business started growing new Hotels, restaurants were open and Telecom sector made their entry
• Roads were made longer. In 2005 there were just 384km of roads which stretched to 3475 km in the year 2010.
• Land Reform Commission was set in Bihar which is trying to distribute the land ethically.

No doubts these jobs brought Nitish Kumar a humongous victory but this victory has brought up new challenges and greater benchmarks to set too.

• 55% of Bihar population lives below the poverty line
• Per capita income is extremely low i.e. Rs 13,959 yearly whereas India's per capita income is more than thrice of that figure which is Rs 44,345
• Bihar suffers from extreme scarcity of electricity
• Due to lower electric supplies neither the factories can run nor do the agricultural lands be irrigated.

Nitish Kumar has full five year from now to construct the building whose strong base he had already developed. How much have Bihar transformed the glimpse can be seen from Patna. Maurya Lok area in Patna looks no less than Vasant Vihar of Delhi. Frazer Road competes with Delhi's Connaught Place. A revolving restaurant has been opened in Patna where one needs referral to have seats there. But Patna is not the scale of the entire Bihar but the way Nitish Kumar got his mandate from every corner of Bihar, it seems everyone wants development like Patna and to accomplish this very reason Nitish Kumar have been awarded another five year term.

It's true this state has suffered the neglect of Central Government from decades but this mandate will empower the state's governing body to claim boldly now. An important aspect of Bihar is that it is one of the most politically dynamic region of the countries. It can create political  trends. In National Politics, the position of Nitish Kumar will heighten now which has more or less has become BJP branded or Congress Branded and may be there's a chance that Nitish Kumar might emerge as a pivotal player for Third Front in future.

Another remarkable thing that came into light in Bihar's election which was Female participation
Though Female Candidates have won at less places but in terms of giving votes, female voters have surpassed their males companions by registering their mass presence at polling booths . Among total female voters 54.44% marked their presence on the day of voting while 51.11% of male voters casted their votes.This change happened for the first time and it became possible because  there were tight arrangements during elections. All six phases of election went without any trouble except a couple of minor offences. In Bihar such thing happens very less. The Day Dreamers Laloo Prasad Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan have been swept away by the current mandate and this might mark the end of their political career. Condition of Congress is also not good , the rallies of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi were attended by masses with exceptional enthusiasm but that never got converted into votes. Biggest result was the humongous mandate which Nitish Kumar might not even have dreamt of.

This time the election were no doubt historical , mandate is also historical and such a large mandate has it's own issues and risks. The victorious MLAs will have all high hopes for being ministers. They would also hope to become chairman in Government Bodies and Corporations. After it's fabulous victory BJP also will not sit with no desire; they too will want their share in the governance that means that in the absence of opposition there is a risk of internal battles in JDU and BJP allies over the division of portfolios in coming future. Nitish Kumar should remain alert with this situation. Overall the Bihar State Assembly Elections 2010 Results are historical and is welcomed by all for the goodwill of future.