Will Bihar escape its self-made traps?

The politics of Bihar must change. Who will change it? The answers can vary, but it is common sense that Mr Nitish Kumar is not the person who will herald the change. He is entrenched in his 20-year habits. Add to that the genuine concerns about his health and his unpredictable behaviour. It is foolish to imagine that Mr Nitish Kumar will change himself or bring about a radical change in the governance of Bihar

- P Chidambaram

IT IS PAINFUL to speak or write about Bihar. Bihar's is a story of utter neglect and vain boasts.

In 1947, all states of India stood at the same starting line. No state can say that it was left behind at Independence or in 1950. Since the Congress party ruled at the centre and in practically all the states, the same policies and programmes were implemented throughout the country. In fact, some progressive ideas were first experimented in Bihar and later extended to other states - for example, land reforms and distribution.

Bihar had tall leaders. It had an efficient steel frame of administration and renowned civil servants. It had the most fertile land and a perennial river, the Ganga. It was rich in natural resources, and the first steel mills were located in undivided Bihar. And it had one of the four leading High Courts of the country (at Patna) and a robust system of justice. Why then did Bihar fail?

A failed state

The official data on Bihar is depressing. On the ground, observers say, it is worse. While every government has to share the blame, Mr Nitish Kumar has been the chief minister since November 24, 2005 (except for 278 days when he put his proxy in the CM's chair). That is 20 years. The next long rule was by Mr Lalu Prasad Yadav (or his wife) between 1990 and 2005. Voters below 35 years know only one chief minister Mr Nitish Kumar. The 2025 elections to the Bihar state assembly is not about the 1990s or earlier governments but about Mr Nitish Kumar and his 20 years of governance.