BJP’s Semester Test

Six political parties come together to combat the BJP in a single state. Isn’t that a bit too astounding? Well, but that’s Indian politics for you - as unpredictable as always. 

The 2014 General Elections changed the political weather in India and things have tightened to a larger extent, which can be uttered without a bone of contention. So much that 6 political parties in Bihar had to come together to battle against the BJP for the state assembly polls, scheduled for later this year. This, as many assert and agree with, is a trend-setting alliance - a merger of six political parties once rivals, coming together to fight the elections against the BJP. 

Although formidable, this alliance appears to be a replica of fright, desperation for power and a symbol of intense competition that is developing, all at one time. 

In Bihar, we see the age-old politicians fighting together, now, all of a sudden, after enough criticizing and bitching about each other in the past, with the sole purpose of coming to power and not getting swept away. This appears as if the parties in alliance only want to survive and keep their strengths on full display, especially after RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav stating he is ready to consume all kinds of poison. 

On the other hand, skepticism lies over BJP’s victory, as the alliance is really strong and is going to lead to massive polarization. But, the BJP appears to be confident, currently. Not to forget, a victory there is being eyed on for a long time, and all attempts will be done, which is for sure. The BJP has support of the former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, whom the BJP supported while he was sidelined by the JD(U) and Ram Vilas Paswan of LJP, who is now a Union Minister in the Modi cabinet. 

BJP has already lost by a huge margin in the Delhi assembly elections and AAP’s victory had sparked a debate on the existence of “Modi wave”. Bihar elections lay ahead as a big challenge for the BJP and it’s party President Amit Shah is sure to have a hard time coming up with strategies to fight the Bihar elections. 

But unlike the other polls, this one is a semester test for the BJP, and it is indeed going to be super-fascinating to track the Bihar polls.