Bihar Politics – lackluster without ‘Game Changers’

Swaswati Borpuzari · Feb 3, 2025

Okay, here's an article based on the provided prompt, expanding on the idea of a lackluster Bihar political landscape without its usual "game changers":

Bihar Politics: A Quiet Landscape Without its Usual Fireworks

Bihar, often a crucible of vibrant and unpredictable political narratives, seems to be experiencing a period of relative quietude, a stark contrast to its historical pattern of dramatic shifts and charismatic leaders. The absence of what some call “game changers” has resulted in a political landscape that feels less like a fiery debate and more like a low-humming engine, lacking the spark that usually ignites the state's political discourse.

For decades, Bihar’s political scene has been defined by powerful personalities who could, with a single statement or a well-orchestrated political maneuver, alter the trajectory of public opinion and electoral outcomes. From the larger-than-life figures of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar, to the more recent rise of leaders like Chirag Paswan, the state has been accustomed to individuals who possessed the ability to single-handedly redirect the flow of politics. They were “game changers,” capable of forging alliances, captivating the masses, and shattering established political norms.

However, the current political climate appears to be different. While established players remain, the state seems to lack the emergence of a new generation of leaders capable of generating the same level of excitement or disruptive force. The existing political formations are largely continuing along established lines, making it difficult to discern any significant shifts in the political arena.

Why the Absence of 'Game Changers'?

Several factors might be contributing to this relative lull. Firstly, the established political blocs have consolidated their power and loyalties, making it challenging for new voices to break through. The dominance of the RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) and JDU (Janata Dal United) has created a duopoly that is difficult to penetrate, leaving less room for emerging leaders to gain traction.

Furthermore, the political narrative has become increasingly focused on issues of governance and development, which, while crucial, often lack the raw emotional appeal or personality-driven drama that characterized previous eras. The focus on policy and infrastructure, while arguably beneficial, doesn’t necessarily lend itself to the same kind of fervent political engagement.

A potential lack of fresh ideas and strategies could also be a contributing factor. The political establishment might be struggling to connect with a younger generation of voters, who may be less drawn to the rhetoric and strategies that have proven effective in the past. This disconnect could be leading to a more subdued political dialogue.

Impact on Bihar

The absence of "game changers" has several implications for Bihar's political future. The most immediate effect is a sense of stagnation – a lack of dynamism in the political process. Without the regular jolt of new personalities or bold ideas, the state may lose its capacity for rapid change.

This lull also risks voter apathy. The lack of a captivating political narrative or a compelling leader to rally behind can lead to a disengagement among the electorate. If voters feel that politics has become predictable and routine, they may lose interest in the democratic process, which could potentially impact voter turnout and political participation.

Moreover, in the long run, the absence of vibrant political voices could affect policy innovation. Without the pressure of new perspectives and challenges to the status quo, there is a risk that policies might become less responsive to the evolving needs of the people.

What Lies Ahead?

The current landscape of Bihar politics is not necessarily an indication of a permanent trajectory. The state has a long history of unexpected political shifts, and the emergence of new leaders or a galvanizing issue could easily reshape the political arena. Whether that happens through new political formations, changing ideological currents, or a new generation of leaders willing to challenge the status quo remains to be seen.

For now, however, Bihar’s political scene sits in a state of relative quiet, with a noticeable absence of the “game changers” who once defined its volatile political narrative. Whether this is a temporary lull or the beginnings of a new era remains an open question, but one thing remains clear: Bihar politics, for the moment, feels surprisingly less explosive than we’ve become accustomed to. The next chapter remains unwritten, and the state waits to see if, and when, its next “game changer” will step forward.

Dhruv Bindhani · Jun 25, 2025

amit2011 said:
Bihar Politics – lackluster without ‘Game Changers’

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 6th August 2020

The issues are aplenty like the Grand mandir agenda which seems to overlook others like floods, pandemic, lack of local jobs and corruption in MNREGA/Mid-day, mis-treatment of local people in other states, stalling of local industry, poor healthcare facilities is the state, mis-use of central funds to the state etc. which are being given lesser importance in face of even a celebrity suicide case. Basically the state government is over-confident about lack of a ‘credible face’ in opposition and that allows them to set and underline issues and agenda, with the usual suspects in the commercial news media playing the piped-piper. Basically the opposition lacks ambition to ‘change’ so much so that it even fails to talk about it. One of the reason being as soon as they rake such slogans, one reminds them about past track-record and they fail to realize that if ruling party has changed tact, it would have implication of their polity as well. The reluctance to change leadership and reins of individuals and families (in an idol-worshipping populace) doesn’t help. While the behavior of political parties to keep leadership within closed circles (select families and some individuals) might give them some initial fillip, however it is increasingly giving diminished returns, something which is being tested by times as we go by the politics though conveniently ignored by the self-serving Netas. We have thus political focus on tussle in Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra etc. on the sidelines.

The political situation in the state is such that it is based more about (mis-leading) signals. For example, poor education facilities is long-standing issue and political blame for the same goes to ‘corruption in past over teacher’s recruitment’. The re associated issues like lack of adequate strength of teaching cadres, lack of infra, lack of adoption modern teaching techniques & technology, inaction over fixing policy and procedures for recruitment and promotion etc. which receive limited political attention because the situation is sought to be maintained from political perspective as the Netas seldom like ‘empowered ordinary folks’. So it is conveniently forgotten and debate shifting to suicide of ‘one of the boys, who went away without making much complaints’ with the local Netas donning champion’s hat. In fact Corona, floods, washing away of roads etc. have helped the local Netas as even reporting has become a challenge and the commercial news media would rather focus on Metros with added dollops of Mandir thrown in. And nearly no one to speak about the state of judiciary and law enforcement systems in the state, which make enforcement of contract almost impossible. No wonder local industry is in state of doldrums and state refuses to attract any mid- level project, not to talk about large ones at all. While the media and Netas would pay lip-service for the lack of industry and even announce ‘industrial parks (which don’t fly from drawing board in absence of demand)’ however no one would discuss legal situation which is sought to me maintained in ICU as it suits political/Netas interests.

Talk about it and the commercial news media as well as Netas would start rolling out the no. of IAS as well as professionals working in other states or even abroad. The fact the state has highest no.of manual scavengers and highest no. of sewer-workers and other menial work population is conveniently forgotten and idol-worship of Netas is heavily promoted. On the back of this, what’s also sought to be bolstered is the image of politically intelligent populace and quite a few journos smitten by this ‘fact’. Fact is such journos fog quite a few issues in the state to pump their ego of bright light amongst the politically intelligent populace and drive them further to idol-worship of Netas. Perhaps it’s time that the populace gets in a rethink mode and starts identifying Netas who seek a change in situation and are open to discuss these plans openly. Let the ‘Game’ evolve….

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Bihar Politics – lackluster without ‘Game Changers’