Smokescreen before Bihar Voters !

Bihar Assembly elections are underway. Most of the political parties have deputed their ‘star pracharaks’ to entice the gullible voters and make them vote for their candidates. Numerous methods are being applied to convince them, match their aspirations with promises and announcements. Yes, it is the time when voters will compare which political outfit promises more than others. It is also a test of skill of political parties to ‘guide or misguide’ the voters, from behind masks. Whoever makes fool of more voters, takes the cake.

We have seen, three main contestants; JDU-BJP, RJD led alliance and Chirag Paswan led LJP have released their manifestoes. Though other smaller parties have also shown interest to garner a sizeable chunk of votes and win some seats, if not for pole position, may be to gain the Kingmakers’ level. Sometimes even a small group of winning MLAs, even a single digit group, gain negotiating power and garner some cabinet posts in the upcoming coalition government. Late Ram Vilas Paswan was the master strategist in such situations. That is why he was christened as ‘Mausam Vaigyanik’ by none else than Lalu Yadav.
Lalu ji dominated the Bihar politics for 30 odd years, as expert in forming coalition governments, not only in Bihar but also at the National level. His party had been a coalition partner in UPA, capturing key cabinet posts like Railways, Social Welfare etc. for varying durations.

Going back to manifestoes and promises made by various political parties to the State voters; announcing 10 lakh jobs, loan waivers, compensation to migrant workers etc. are passe now. Yes, Bihar youth need jobs, since the unemployment rate in the state is about 39% as per last NSO report. They need jobs as early as the youth of any other state. But promising 10 lakh jobs in first cabinet meeting, is like promising Stars or creating a ‘Smokescreen’.
A national party, which ruled the country for over 60 years, has come out with bizarre announcement and has promised to reconsider repeal of Section 370 and section 37A in J&K. This is what I call, another ‘Smokescreen’. How are Bihar voters going to be benefitted by that announcement? Apart from it being an impractical announcement, it has very damaging implications to the national security interest. It gives a very bad impression in the international political scenario. Section 370 was a temporary arrangement created for J&K for fulfilling international ambitions of the powerful leaders of that time. We should not have so short memory that the bills to repeal these sections were passed in the Parliament with two-thirds majority last year and most of these leaders were part of the proceedings in two Houses of Parliament. All right thinking politicians and parties should desist from making such ghastly announcements.

The Bihar voters should also be vigilant and not fall into their traps. They should keep distance from such leaders or parties and use their judgement to see through the Smokescreen !