I have been a firm believer that one can only be a great politician if one doesn't have a conscience, no self respect/esteem and lives totally on the principle of 'there is no friend or enemy in politics'. Time and again politicians have proved it and hence one can only derive they live just for the sake of power and not for their conscience. However there are few who have created a different identity for themselves and have lead by right examples. They are liked and admired for their ethics and principle. Nitish Kumar has been (or was) one of such kind. A politician rather a leader admired not only in the circle of Bihar but also in National Politics. However his decision to quit the Grand Alliance and then form the government immediately with BJP has made him drop from this pedestal (at least in my eyes). For me he now is as good/bad as any other politician. However the step he took is a masterstroke in itself which has enhanced his political life and a step towards moving back to Central politics in near future. A decision to ensure he remains in power and fulfill his political ambition. This step of his just makes me believe that he too is hungry for power just like any other politician.
Nitish Kumar has been known to speak his own mind from his early days of politics itself. Splitting from Janta Dal and forming Samta party along with George Fernandes was because of this virtue of his. (Lalu's way of ruling state and party and promoting castesism in party was something which Nitish didn't like). Post the formation of Samta party they sided with BJP - NDA working at state and centre. In spite of being a small party with few numbers they still managed to get key portfolios in the Central govt (defense/Railway/agriculture). This speaks a volume of acumen of the political smartness he had to ensure better deal in a coalition govt. To ensure the longevity of party and have a larger presence Samta party merged with JDU. It needs to be noticed that though George Fernandes (founding member of Samta party) was not keen and happy with the decision fearing he would be sidelined. But Nitish had his way and George was forced to accept. Clearly Nitish had emerged as a more popular leader and had created his own identity at a large level. (Today we are not aware about the whereabouts of George Fernandes.) This was one of the starting steps of Nitish having full control over party. The hunger for power had just begun.
Being an ally with BJP - NDA yeilded positive results and Nitish was elected as CM for Bihar in 2005 state election. His stature since then has grown. Speaking of taking Bihar from a non governance state to a good governance state was his motto. He spoke of development and prosperity and ensured a 2nd term as CM in 2010. This only helped his stature to rise not only in state and party but also nationally as many started seeing a future PM in him. A leader who says the right things, a leader with clean and clear image and the one who delivers on governance. Nitish had probably greater political ambition than one might think of him. But as its said that once you have tasted power you don't want to give it up easily and will always like to remain in power. Nitish was definitely wanting to have more. Pressuring BJP to declare their leader before 2014 election was his step to bargain for key portfolios and probably to bargain for Deputy PM post for himself. However with Narendra Modi being declared the PM candidate he knew he lost this bargaining rights. Sensing this he immediately moved away from BJP - NDA citing idelogical differences. It is well known fact that Nitish never liked Modi and has publicly shown his displeasure for Modi. He citied that BJP isn't the same party which he worked during Ex PM Vajpyee's time. His decision to walk away was hailed again that he stood to his ideology and took a stand. Parting from BJP meant his govt in state was in danger however he didn't have any problem in accepting outside support from RJD and Congress. Where was his idelogical differences from RJD now? He also sensed that he might be possible PM candidate (though he denied and said he had no skills to become a PM) had the third front consolidated and made him the leader. But this didn't happen. 2014 general election was a different election in many ways. BJP- NDA completely deciminated all other parties. The move of parting from NDA backfired for Nitish with JDU managing just 2 seats in the election. Nitish resigned taking responsibility of this debacle but since he didn't want to stay away from power he appointed his loyalist Mr Manjhi as the CM. It was clear that Manjhi would just be a puppet with Nitish taking calls from behind scenes. It clearly indicates that Nitish never wanted power to move away from his hand. Mr Manjhi was never fit to be a CM or even a MLA however this only highlight that the reigns would still be in Nitish hand. But he forgot that power corrupts you in a way. Once a CM, Manjhi had his own ambitions. He started taking decision of his own and clearly not listening to Nitish. He also started speaking ill about Nitish. Sensing this BJP stated to lure Manjhi. There was a sense of possible split in the JDU again. Nitish had to take charge again. He met the President, decalred party was removing Manjhi as CM. All this done with support of RJD and Congress. He wanted to ensure that he remains in power. He was back as the CM again when Manjhi lost the numbers in assembly. He apologized that he would not take such step in future again. This was the time when BJP and JDU relationship was the lowest. He accused them of foul play and spoil sport and power hungry people. It amazes me when a person who himself is power hungry accuses others on same ground. It was also surprising to see him accept support from RJD ( his arch rival in a way). Once back as CM he started to ensure to keep BJP at bay. Talks with SP, RJD, JDS etc started doing rounds in order to create. Grand Alliance to counter BJP. The idea failed as every head of these parties had their own ambitions and ego. However they ensured to have an alliance in Bihar election of 2015.
The Bihar election of 2015 was historic and one of kind. Experts know that Bihar politics does have a effect on National Politics. The election campaign was filled with drama with Grand Alliance and BJP taking shots at each other. The campaign was marred with the kind of language used by both sides. The highlight being that victory to Grand Alliance will be a celebration in Pakistan. I just fail to understand on what logic one says that or how can one relate to it. It was a never seen outrage and annomosity between the two sides. But the election again surprised many. Contrary to what exit poles showed the Grand Alliance was victorious. Nitish once again was the CM and everyone was wondering how this alliance would survive for the next 5 years.
Politics is a unique game in a way. Fortunes tilt every day and it's filled with surprise and shocks. It's the best reality show by distance. In nearly 20 months the alliance failed with Nitish resigning again. He stated his conscience didn't allow him to continue and serve tainted people. (Conscience - did I hear it right?) His statement in a way is surprising as RJD supremo, his so called big brother and partner in crime Mr Lalu has been framed in various cases and barred from contesting election. Wasn't he aware about this? What was also surprising that the moment he resigned BJP was prepared to support him and he was more than happy to take that support. And Nitish was next day back as CM again. Hilarious!!!! The lure of power was making Nitish do all this. Resigning and forming govt again clearly indicates that this was not a decision taken in heist but something well planned and thought through. People were praising Nitish including our famous PM for taking a courageous step (weren't these same people who were criticising and tragetting him few days back, not to forget the election campaign exchange). All these events has just made me think and realise and the only logic I could derive is that Nitish is no different from any other politician and he is as hungry for power as any one else. Going with BJP again he has played a master stroke in enhancing his political life.
But how did I reach to this conclusion. Well, the background presented and with the recent events one can only see this as a normal outcome. We need to look at Nitish and try to understand him. Aligning back with BJP must have been a long process and would have started long time back. Becoming the party President was one of the key step towards it. This made him a supremo of the party with full control. It was a necessary step before tie up with BJP. By becoming President he also sidelined Sharad Yadav. Sharad would have not allowed this tie up. Today Sharad Yadav has been completely sidelined and he in a way is fighting for his own identity just as George Fernandes was 10-12 yrs ago. Hence the conclusion that Nitish wants power and he craves for it.
Why do I call it a Master stroke? Well, why would I say that. One needs to understand that the kind of response BJP is getting in various state election is kind of mesmerizing with everyone in awe. Nitish too was impressed. He is also well aware of the fact that this is the last stint he has as a CM and after next state election he will not remain a CM. Why? Well, few reasons
a) being CM for 15 years will bring certain amount of incumbency and people will want to see a fresh face
b) he has got votes on the name of governance and development, however in his stint of 12 years I don't see any significant change in governance and development. Originating from Bihar I can say that not much has been developed in these years. I was recently in Bihar for few days and wondered what kind of development has happened. The capital city Patna doesn't seem to be a capital city. So if a state capital cannot be developed properly how can rest of state? Asking for vote again on name of development will only backfire for him in future.
c) In 2015 election RJD emerged as the largest party. This is a revival for RJD and understanding Lalu he would ensure that his sons gain experience and popularity in these 5 years and are ready to fight alone in 2020 election with RJD having their CM. This move will adversely affect Nitish.
Nitish sensed all these and hence played smart. He doesn't have any family member to take forward his legacy. The JDU itself doesn't have any popular or tactful leader apart from Nitish who can take party forward. Rather than being an opposition leader in future he played smart by tie up with BJP to ensure a good cabinet portfolio (probably a deputy PM) in next general election. By doing this he has ensured a prolonged political life.
So when the political expers and reporters where going Gaga over his last resignation and appreciating him for his courage I was wondering why no one asked him why he didn't go for fresh election. Why he didn't become courageous enough and fight both BJP and RJD? And is a political ideology so insignificant that moving away and coming back is so easy. Nitish is a follower of JP Narayan and Ram Manohar Lohia. I wonder if these great people would have reacted in same way as Nitish did. The answer is no. Hence to say you have an ideology and you follow the path of some previous great leaders is both hilarious and foolish. The ultimate desire and ambition is to have power and fool the voters for own good just on name of the so called ideology.
And this is not about Nitish only. Its the nature of the current politicans and the Political set up in totality. They may differ because of parties but they live by the same principle which is to gain power at any cost. A society tells to stay away from spinless people but a spinless politican is one who will thrive more. I would just urge and request all parties and all politican to have a very clear ideology and stick to it for a better political atmosphere. When the PM and CM speak about morality and conscience I ask them to first look at themselves. They need to check for themselves first before preaching. Also I would urge the voters and all people to just not follow them blindly. Think rationally and logically and support them who are right irrespective of which party they are. As its said ' yeh public Hai, yeh sab janti hai'.
Nitish Kumar has been known to speak his own mind from his early days of politics itself. Splitting from Janta Dal and forming Samta party along with George Fernandes was because of this virtue of his. (Lalu's way of ruling state and party and promoting castesism in party was something which Nitish didn't like). Post the formation of Samta party they sided with BJP - NDA working at state and centre. In spite of being a small party with few numbers they still managed to get key portfolios in the Central govt (defense/Railway/agriculture). This speaks a volume of acumen of the political smartness he had to ensure better deal in a coalition govt. To ensure the longevity of party and have a larger presence Samta party merged with JDU. It needs to be noticed that though George Fernandes (founding member of Samta party) was not keen and happy with the decision fearing he would be sidelined. But Nitish had his way and George was forced to accept. Clearly Nitish had emerged as a more popular leader and had created his own identity at a large level. (Today we are not aware about the whereabouts of George Fernandes.) This was one of the starting steps of Nitish having full control over party. The hunger for power had just begun.
Being an ally with BJP - NDA yeilded positive results and Nitish was elected as CM for Bihar in 2005 state election. His stature since then has grown. Speaking of taking Bihar from a non governance state to a good governance state was his motto. He spoke of development and prosperity and ensured a 2nd term as CM in 2010. This only helped his stature to rise not only in state and party but also nationally as many started seeing a future PM in him. A leader who says the right things, a leader with clean and clear image and the one who delivers on governance. Nitish had probably greater political ambition than one might think of him. But as its said that once you have tasted power you don't want to give it up easily and will always like to remain in power. Nitish was definitely wanting to have more. Pressuring BJP to declare their leader before 2014 election was his step to bargain for key portfolios and probably to bargain for Deputy PM post for himself. However with Narendra Modi being declared the PM candidate he knew he lost this bargaining rights. Sensing this he immediately moved away from BJP - NDA citing idelogical differences. It is well known fact that Nitish never liked Modi and has publicly shown his displeasure for Modi. He citied that BJP isn't the same party which he worked during Ex PM Vajpyee's time. His decision to walk away was hailed again that he stood to his ideology and took a stand. Parting from BJP meant his govt in state was in danger however he didn't have any problem in accepting outside support from RJD and Congress. Where was his idelogical differences from RJD now? He also sensed that he might be possible PM candidate (though he denied and said he had no skills to become a PM) had the third front consolidated and made him the leader. But this didn't happen. 2014 general election was a different election in many ways. BJP- NDA completely deciminated all other parties. The move of parting from NDA backfired for Nitish with JDU managing just 2 seats in the election. Nitish resigned taking responsibility of this debacle but since he didn't want to stay away from power he appointed his loyalist Mr Manjhi as the CM. It was clear that Manjhi would just be a puppet with Nitish taking calls from behind scenes. It clearly indicates that Nitish never wanted power to move away from his hand. Mr Manjhi was never fit to be a CM or even a MLA however this only highlight that the reigns would still be in Nitish hand. But he forgot that power corrupts you in a way. Once a CM, Manjhi had his own ambitions. He started taking decision of his own and clearly not listening to Nitish. He also started speaking ill about Nitish. Sensing this BJP stated to lure Manjhi. There was a sense of possible split in the JDU again. Nitish had to take charge again. He met the President, decalred party was removing Manjhi as CM. All this done with support of RJD and Congress. He wanted to ensure that he remains in power. He was back as the CM again when Manjhi lost the numbers in assembly. He apologized that he would not take such step in future again. This was the time when BJP and JDU relationship was the lowest. He accused them of foul play and spoil sport and power hungry people. It amazes me when a person who himself is power hungry accuses others on same ground. It was also surprising to see him accept support from RJD ( his arch rival in a way). Once back as CM he started to ensure to keep BJP at bay. Talks with SP, RJD, JDS etc started doing rounds in order to create. Grand Alliance to counter BJP. The idea failed as every head of these parties had their own ambitions and ego. However they ensured to have an alliance in Bihar election of 2015.
The Bihar election of 2015 was historic and one of kind. Experts know that Bihar politics does have a effect on National Politics. The election campaign was filled with drama with Grand Alliance and BJP taking shots at each other. The campaign was marred with the kind of language used by both sides. The highlight being that victory to Grand Alliance will be a celebration in Pakistan. I just fail to understand on what logic one says that or how can one relate to it. It was a never seen outrage and annomosity between the two sides. But the election again surprised many. Contrary to what exit poles showed the Grand Alliance was victorious. Nitish once again was the CM and everyone was wondering how this alliance would survive for the next 5 years.
Politics is a unique game in a way. Fortunes tilt every day and it's filled with surprise and shocks. It's the best reality show by distance. In nearly 20 months the alliance failed with Nitish resigning again. He stated his conscience didn't allow him to continue and serve tainted people. (Conscience - did I hear it right?) His statement in a way is surprising as RJD supremo, his so called big brother and partner in crime Mr Lalu has been framed in various cases and barred from contesting election. Wasn't he aware about this? What was also surprising that the moment he resigned BJP was prepared to support him and he was more than happy to take that support. And Nitish was next day back as CM again. Hilarious!!!! The lure of power was making Nitish do all this. Resigning and forming govt again clearly indicates that this was not a decision taken in heist but something well planned and thought through. People were praising Nitish including our famous PM for taking a courageous step (weren't these same people who were criticising and tragetting him few days back, not to forget the election campaign exchange). All these events has just made me think and realise and the only logic I could derive is that Nitish is no different from any other politician and he is as hungry for power as any one else. Going with BJP again he has played a master stroke in enhancing his political life.
But how did I reach to this conclusion. Well, the background presented and with the recent events one can only see this as a normal outcome. We need to look at Nitish and try to understand him. Aligning back with BJP must have been a long process and would have started long time back. Becoming the party President was one of the key step towards it. This made him a supremo of the party with full control. It was a necessary step before tie up with BJP. By becoming President he also sidelined Sharad Yadav. Sharad would have not allowed this tie up. Today Sharad Yadav has been completely sidelined and he in a way is fighting for his own identity just as George Fernandes was 10-12 yrs ago. Hence the conclusion that Nitish wants power and he craves for it.
Why do I call it a Master stroke? Well, why would I say that. One needs to understand that the kind of response BJP is getting in various state election is kind of mesmerizing with everyone in awe. Nitish too was impressed. He is also well aware of the fact that this is the last stint he has as a CM and after next state election he will not remain a CM. Why? Well, few reasons
a) being CM for 15 years will bring certain amount of incumbency and people will want to see a fresh face
b) he has got votes on the name of governance and development, however in his stint of 12 years I don't see any significant change in governance and development. Originating from Bihar I can say that not much has been developed in these years. I was recently in Bihar for few days and wondered what kind of development has happened. The capital city Patna doesn't seem to be a capital city. So if a state capital cannot be developed properly how can rest of state? Asking for vote again on name of development will only backfire for him in future.
c) In 2015 election RJD emerged as the largest party. This is a revival for RJD and understanding Lalu he would ensure that his sons gain experience and popularity in these 5 years and are ready to fight alone in 2020 election with RJD having their CM. This move will adversely affect Nitish.
Nitish sensed all these and hence played smart. He doesn't have any family member to take forward his legacy. The JDU itself doesn't have any popular or tactful leader apart from Nitish who can take party forward. Rather than being an opposition leader in future he played smart by tie up with BJP to ensure a good cabinet portfolio (probably a deputy PM) in next general election. By doing this he has ensured a prolonged political life.
So when the political expers and reporters where going Gaga over his last resignation and appreciating him for his courage I was wondering why no one asked him why he didn't go for fresh election. Why he didn't become courageous enough and fight both BJP and RJD? And is a political ideology so insignificant that moving away and coming back is so easy. Nitish is a follower of JP Narayan and Ram Manohar Lohia. I wonder if these great people would have reacted in same way as Nitish did. The answer is no. Hence to say you have an ideology and you follow the path of some previous great leaders is both hilarious and foolish. The ultimate desire and ambition is to have power and fool the voters for own good just on name of the so called ideology.
And this is not about Nitish only. Its the nature of the current politicans and the Political set up in totality. They may differ because of parties but they live by the same principle which is to gain power at any cost. A society tells to stay away from spinless people but a spinless politican is one who will thrive more. I would just urge and request all parties and all politican to have a very clear ideology and stick to it for a better political atmosphere. When the PM and CM speak about morality and conscience I ask them to first look at themselves. They need to check for themselves first before preaching. Also I would urge the voters and all people to just not follow them blindly. Think rationally and logically and support them who are right irrespective of which party they are. As its said ' yeh public Hai, yeh sab janti hai'.
