LESSONS FROM BIHAR

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking during his victory speech at the BJP headquarters made a very interesting comment. He used the Bihar win to send a message to Bengal, which goes to polls next year.

- PRIYA SAHGAL

“The Ganga flows through Bihar and reaches Bengal. Bihar has paved the way for the BJP’s victory in Bengal. I congratulate the people of Bihar. Together, we will uproot jungle raj from West Bengal as well,” he said. Given the Modi-Shah track record of turning states around, there isa message there for Mamata Bannerji. But to be fair, the TMC isnot the RJD. She isa two term sitting chief minister who has been winning with very high margins over the rest. She knows how to wield authority as wellas distribute largesse and patronage. And unlike the former Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik who was routed in the last assembly polls, she has both age and health on her side. She is a