By Irfan Baba
Big fishes eat small ones, is the law of nature. Politics go a step further; small fishes are often cradled to consume later. The formula of ‘Use and Discard’ in political system has always been luring topic to the political oracles. Initially align a small party by throwing dependable offers; later merge its identity in coalition. Eventually disperse its existence. Those parties who realize the policy and began conflict are ravished using any mean and any way. Those who linger in alliance are not spared too. They are also uprooted but amicably. This makes a Big Party grow stronger and wider.
The ruling party of India ardently advocates the concept ‘Hindu Rashtra’ which is possible but in a unipolar political atmosphere only. The biggest impediment is the Secular Force and dissent. They exist both at National and State Levels. The first job in hand was to tackle National Opponent. Masses were convincingly made to buy the concept by weakening Congress ideology. It is worth mentioning that Congress own policies were responsible for their devastation. Simultaneously it was important to concentrate on state levels as India has Federal System which equally empowers assemblies. The remedy was to either bring regional parties under umbrella or dislodge them as political monopoly both in centre and at state levels is a must for the long pending goal of Hindutva Clan.
There are good numbers of examples where regional players were first brought under umbrella then chipped away. Shiromi Akali Dal (SAD), Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), AIADMK and PDP are some of them.
SAD miserably failed to stand by the expectation of its people especially in Babri Masjid, Article 370 and CAA cases. Surprisingly they did not object even when they were not even consulted while bringing Farmer Bills. Hence they decline. SAD shattered but BJP could not gain anything because Farmer Bills gravely backfired.
After the death of Ram Vilas Paswan (LJP Chief), Chirag Paswan was humiliatingly abandoned. Later, though he could manage to bring a good crowd, which may someday, prove fatal.
PDP can be quoted as a prime example. BJP’s intentions about Article 370 were know even from Vajpayee’s time. Mufti Syed, God knows chasing which Khawab (dream), formed govt. with them, allowed BJP to establish in Valley. They made history by abrogating the Duo Article. They are all set to create another by bringing their CM. Meanwhile PDP is dilapidated, almost collapsed.
Only Shiv Sena, shown resilience. They formed govt. with ideologically opposite party (Sharad Pawar’s NCP). However recently they were brought down.
Nitish Kumar is the latest case. It is known well that he has a historic habit of taking U-Turn. In 1994 he broke Janta Dal and made Samata Party with George Fernandez. In 2003, he merged Samata Party with Janta Dal. In 2013, he went away from NDA. He joined hands with Lalu’s RJD and Congress.
Nitish, however gave concrete reason for moving away. According to him JD (U) was being eroded by coalition. Undoubtedly, Nitish’s popularity disoriented. His MLA number receded to 43 in 2020 assembly elections from 71. JD (U) was no more the largest party of Bihar.
Nitish wanted a special status for Bihar so as to tide over the backwardness of the state but BJP shown reluctance. Nitish is probably the only leader who abolished caste based politics. On contrary BJP stressed a complete ban on Madrasas and Nimaz in Public. Akhilesh Yadav is believed to lose by minority vote division, created by Owasi. This is cannot be denied also that Muslim community was not happy either because of his inaction to genuinely defend minority. Arvind Kejriwal can be another exemplary Akhilesh in future. Nitish is a veteran politician, understood things better.
Nitish Kumar’s dissociation from BJP cannot be equated with Shiv Sena. There can be some serious fallout. He can be a promising candidate in 2024 elections. He is among few politicians who have zero corruption charges against. He took over Bihar when the state was in total mess. Law and order was in shambles, women safety was a mirage, economy, and health sector and education were deserted. He brought Law and Order. He elevated a better and unexpected infrastructure along with a steeping economic growth. Bihar had the 2nd highest decline in poverty. Health sector improved beyond the expectations. Literacy rate was significantly raised to 70%. Liquor ban brought crime rate down, viz a viz improved women security. Caste based politics was rooted deep. Nitish bravely abolished the curse. More importantly Covid crisis were managed impressively in comparison to the states which also received its labor class from different parts of the country. Nitish’s commendable achievements made him country-wide famous. Bihar is no less an example in terms of governance and development.
The governing party had an upper hand in last Parliament Election, was the absence of a strong PM candidate in the opposition. Separation may pave way for Nitish in 2024 elections. He indeed has miles to go as there are many other aspirants. Rahul Gandhi; he has recently been predicted as future Prime Minister by the seer of Matt, in Karnataka. Mamta Banarjee can be the other face. She bruised BJP in West Bangal. She is a nation-wide figure but with conservative vision. Arvind Kajriwal is a rising candidate who began believing that working particularly on Hindu votes can fetch dividends. He read Hanuman Chalesa in a secular campaign. Also abstained from visiting Muslim areas, post Delhi riots. KCR is another face began getting recognition and attention.
Among all of them, Nitish has brighter chances, as his governance in Bihar is already admired. It however depends on opposition that how they embrace him besides how he is fielded by the strategists. In case he emerges well, BJP will lose a larger edge in 2024 Parliament Election. Opposition will have a promising face. Monopolizing political system may get deferred too.
Irfan Baba is an author of a novel entitled ‘Love and the Other World’, hails from Srinagar-Kashmir, can be reached at irfaan.baba@gmail.com
