Once upon a time I was a huge admirer of Nitish Kumar, I believed he would transform Bihar; and if he rules for 10 years in Bihar, I no longer would go in an office in Bangalore, Pune or Delhi to work, but today when Bihar election date is announced and Nitish Kumar has just concluded 10 years, It makes me sad to write an article called this article; more upsetting is the fact that Nitish himself is not interested in governance and development.

Let’s briefly look at why Bihar voted to Nitish led BJP-JDU alliance in Bihar. Many of friends who is not from Bihar have often asked me – why do you guys voted to Lalu 3 times, didn’t you realize it after first time, that he no longer is a brilliant CM, he is just a comedian. Let me tell that in most of places in Bihar; Lalu won because of booth capturing. Booth capturing was so much prevalent in those days, due to criminal associates of Lalu that many people didn’t go to vote – as no one would dare to risk their lives.

One of the biggest criminal and ex MP (of Siwan), Shahabuddin had the audacity to fire at the SP Mr. Singhal, who was promptly transferred when he instituted a case against him. This is just an example of Jungle Raj. Shahabuddin is said to be close to underworld, and his wife would be an MLA candidate from Nitish-led Janata Parivar this time. Think!!!

I still remember that in 2005, CRPF and BSF were massively deployed across Bihar and they ensured that everyone especially women come out and vote; and no criminals obstruction takes place and that is how Nitish led BJP came in power.

Nitish’s first 5 years was stupendous for Bihar – He put 50000 criminals in Jail, built many roads and flyover, ensured safety of people , reduced corruption and that’s why in 2010 Nitish won with a phenomenal majority which was unimaginable by any yardstick.

In 2nd term, Nitsh planned to provide electricity across Bihar (imagine how underdeveloped was Bihar that electricity was such a big issue in 21st century,), Nitish also focused on job creation along with trying to woo Biharis to come back to their state; he had good intention, but at certain point of time, he realized that he could be potential PM candidate of NDA, and there starts downfall of Bihar again. He stopped working for Bihar since then and evolution of Jungle Raj 2 started.

Many significant people of Bihar political circle including some senior JDU leaders confirmed me that Nitish was very sure that if he succeeds in convincing Advani and Co. that Modi is a communal and would lose 2014 election if projected as PM; then BJP may be left with one option for PM candidate and it will be Nitish Kumar because of his image in Bihar and credentials.

He never imagined that BJP would part away but it happened…since then he never focused on Bihar and its governance. He did everything possible to ensure massive show in Loksabha in Bihar, he failed very badly. His ego was hurt. He was unable to acknowledge that Narendra Modi is PM of India. He hated Modi, not because of Modi’s work, but because of jealousy, he didn’t accept that fact that even in Bihar, Narendra Modi is more popular than Nitish. He quit, he appointed Manjhi and tried to be Super CM, Manjhi made him even more annoyed with his working style and floppy comments. He again became CM and chucked Manjhi out.

LS election results signaled end of Nitish’s career in politics. He wants to be CM again, not to work for Bihar, but to prove a point to Modi that he is still most popular in Bihar; it’s an ego issue for him.

But Nitish is aware that he can’t succeed, if he battles it alone. While Nitish was searching for a formula, Lalu yadav came in for his support. Lalu wants to secure his children’s future, he knows that he is politically finished; but if he sides with Nitish ; they may win, because of caste based voting and politics in Bihar. Hence the alliance finalized – it is a survival politics for Nitish and Lalu both.

All said and done, if Nitish manages to be CM again – it’s not Nitish who will rule; its Lalu and his hooligans who would dictate terms in Bihar. Nitish would be reduced to a mere spectator, he would create policies but Lalu and his criminal gangs would gulp that money and there would be no implementation of those policies. Bihar would be paralyzed because of Nitish/Lalu relationship with the PM Modi. Fear of Jungle Raj would be all over again, it has already started to show – the way crime and corruption has reached to its peak in last few years.

BJP at center and BJP in state – may do well for Bihar. There will be special focus on Bihar considering number of Union Ministers and Modi’s LS seats from Bihar. Today’s special package of 1.25 lac crore announced by Modi is one significant step which may change face of Bihar, if used well. This is the golden chance, My Dear Bihar; don’t vote for Nitish – because you in turn, are voting for Lalu. Nitish won because we didn’t want Lalu to be CM, this time if Nitish wins, it means we want Lalu (Remember Jungle Raj, You don’t want it back in any condition, Right). Therefore, I believe Nitish must lose Bihar election, if Bihar has to prosper.

@avinashchoubey