Supriya Sharma / Scroll
As chief minister, Kumar cultivated the image of a development-oriented statesman. Invoking Bihari sub-nationalism by celebrating a birthday for Bihar, among other things, he tried to create a constituency for himself that cut across caste lines. In line with that image, his campaign posters plastered all over Patna now say ‘Aage Badhta Rahe Bihar, Phir EK Bar Nitish Kumar’ (May Bihar keep marching ahead, Once more Nitish Kumar). ‘Bihar Mein Bahar Ho, Nitish Kumar Ho’ (May there be spring in Bihar, may there be Nitish Kumar).
Yet, in his own subtle way, Kumar has responded to what one of his advisors termed "the betrayal of the upper castes". In June this year, with elections on the horizon, Kumar reserved 50% of all government contracts up to Rs 15 lakh for Dalits, OBCs and EBCs.
This may well be the tragedy of this election: Regardless of who wins, the idea that a leader can transcend caste in Bihar already stands defeated. more
As chief minister, Kumar cultivated the image of a development-oriented statesman. Invoking Bihari sub-nationalism by celebrating a birthday for Bihar, among other things, he tried to create a constituency for himself that cut across caste lines. In line with that image, his campaign posters plastered all over Patna now say ‘Aage Badhta Rahe Bihar, Phir EK Bar Nitish Kumar’ (May Bihar keep marching ahead, Once more Nitish Kumar). ‘Bihar Mein Bahar Ho, Nitish Kumar Ho’ (May there be spring in Bihar, may there be Nitish Kumar).
Yet, in his own subtle way, Kumar has responded to what one of his advisors termed "the betrayal of the upper castes". In June this year, with elections on the horizon, Kumar reserved 50% of all government contracts up to Rs 15 lakh for Dalits, OBCs and EBCs.
This may well be the tragedy of this election: Regardless of who wins, the idea that a leader can transcend caste in Bihar already stands defeated. more
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