A bitter war has broken out between JDU & BJP post their bitter political divorce. BJP has launched a no hold barred campaign, brandishing Nitish as a political betrayer. Short of calling him Mir Jafar and Jaychand, BJP has not spared any effort from its side. A state wide ‘ Vishwashghat Diwash’ or the ‘Great Betrayal Day’ strike is also being observed across Bihar by BJP to underscore the same. Outfits across political divide like RJD, LJP on the one hand and BJP on the hand have termed Nitish as the most opportunistic person on political firmament of Bihar. Same has also been seconded by non other that Ms. Jaya Jaitely also. She has been very much with JDU in past as one of its leading light due to her proximity with George Fernandez. But question is whether Nitish really deserves such a depiction?

Somehow, I think such extreme exchanges between two political friends turned foes is totally uncalled for.  Every political outfit is within its right to pursue its own political course aimed at furthering its own political interest. Nitish’s action is no different. Like any other politician, he should be afforded his rightful political space to chart his own course. While BJP may have a point that the last election was fought under NDA leadership and hence Nitish should seek a fresh mandate. But same should not deprive Nitish from taking advantage from this political opportunity presented to him on a platter. After all, political history of India is replete with examples where when a party experiences a break up, breakaway groups do try to form government without taking recourse to fresh election.  As for NDA, it was not a single political entity but an alliance of two independent political outfits. So charge of BJP does not stand merit.  For any student of politics, Nitsih’s action was in offing for last few years. He has been looking for such an opportunity for quite some time. However, due to unprecedented mandate in favour of NDA, having an unpredictably high strike rate in favour of BJP, inevitable has been delayed. BJP should have seen this coming as writing was all over the walls.   BJP should not cry hoarse now if they are so gullible politically.

Of course, this political break up does not augur well for Bihar. Team Nitish without BJP is no different than Team Lalu Prasad. It would be a difficult proposition that the same set of people who has overseen descent of Bihar in dark-age under leadership of Lalu can usher in a fresh dawn under Mr Nitsih Kumar. Well!  Same could still be possible if Nitish were to govern through his effective band of bureaucrats, keeping this motley crowd of hanger on politicians as mere figure heads of his administration.   I hope that all through this political turmoil, development of Bihar would not suffer adversely. As long as, Nitish is able to ensure growth of Bihar he would rightfully deserve the full support of people of Bihar, BJP or no BJP.

Also, I believe that this decision is not politically so wise.  While MY (Muslim Yadav) combination is numerically strong enough to keep Lalu in political reckoning, MK (Muslim Kurmi) combination will never have as much numerical strength. 4% of Kurmi votes and 14% of Muslim vote cannot match power of 12% Yadav and 14% Muslim votes being together. This will prevent Muslims from breaking away from Lalu ji and flocking around Nitish ji no matter what Nitish Does.  It is a political reality that caste is a determining factor in Bihar as also in the rest of India. As demonstrated in Karnataka, much maligned Yediyurappa has retained support of his caste man and so has the jailed son of Mr Rajsekhar Reddy in the neighbouring Andhra. Even Mr Sharad Pawar derives his strength from numerically strong Marathas. So far Nitish has been deriving his power from the social combination forged through his tie up with BJP. Once the BJP’s social base moves out, Nitish would be left in lurch without any doubt. Restive Kushwaha community and MBCs are also waiting in wings for their turn in power. BJP is likely to prop them up next.  Politics of Bihar is now wide open. Perhaps, Nitish has been led down the garden path by numerous lackeys he has put around himself. Very soon, people of Bihar will have an opportunity to speak out during Lok Sabha election. I would be hoping, even if it is against the hope that Nitish would continue to be at the helm of affair in Bihar to continue his developmental work. Mr Sushil Kumar Modi, a MBC himself, whom BJP would like to project next could be also my choice given his stellar performance in managing finances of Bihar.