NITISH’S BIHAR

It only needed a man who could think and pursue constructive thought

Laloo could have done what he appears to have in Rail Bhavan much earlier and never lost Bihar

Should Laloo Yadav be kicking himself? Perhaps. If he has learnt a thing or two about the governance aspect of political empowerment, which he appears to have in Rail Bhavan. He could have done much the same much earlier and probably never lost Bihar. Look at Nitish Kumar and the accolades beginning to gather round his persona — turnaround man, man of vision, saint salvage. Most of that — and even the Bihar chief minister will agree — comes to him by dint of comparison. The Laloo Yadav years were so barren, even the promise of a trickle of sugar brings treacle-loads of goodwill to Nitish Kumar. What’s happened in Bihar? Not great things, at least not yet. There are businesses and industries from elsewhere promising to invest, that’s about all. They always did, they always were ready to. Laloo Yadav had offers. From the Tatas. From a host of houses that comprise the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). From companies headquartered as far apart as Australia and Texas. Nothing happened. Laloo Yadav made slogans of them and blew them in his bluster. Nitish Kumar is a quieter, more grounded customer. He probably has lesser, meaner offers than Laloo Yadav had at one time. Don’t forget Jharkhand, crucible of the earth’s riches, now lies carved out. But Nitish Kumar appears to be doing better. What has changed in Bihar, essentially, is the perception of it. The chief minister, shy yet of a year in office, is announcing the arrival of an eager and conducive host, come, we’ll try to do business together. Hindsight could be teaching Laloo Yadav a few lessons, but for the moment what’s key is that Nitish Kumar appears to be attempting a future for Bihar.