NDA peaks, Gathbandhan fails

There can be no excuses for the Bihar poll debacle of the Mahagathbandhan, and any attempts to attribute the grand and spectacular victory of the NDA to vote chori is most ridiculous. In fact, it was superior strategy, deft implementation of the plans and foot soldiers on the ground that delivered for the BJP, JDU and their alliance partners.

- PANKAJ VOHRA

The point which arises is that what does this overwhelming triumph mean in political terms, and how does it impact national politics? It is more than evident that Amit Shah has been able to outmanoeuvre his opponents and has made use of Nitish's acceptance amongst the masses, particularly women, to carve out this win, the scale of which has even surprised the voters.

Yes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the most popular leader in the country and has proved that even after 11 years of rule at the Centre, his magic has not diminished. In sharp contrast, both Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, who led the Opposition challenge, have fallen by the wayside. Both are reluctant to accept their defeat and have cited wrongdoing and manipulation as the reason for the NDA victory. They are failing to see their own limitations and dismal preparations that have led to their rejection by the voters.

The outcome has left many political analysts baffled also, and they are still groping in the dark to understand what led to this unbelievable result. Some are attributing it to an uneven playing field, while others are blaming the Election Commission for not stepping in to stop the distribution of Rs 10,000 to women, in violation of the model code of conduct.