It’s jobs stupid bihar’s politics is moving away from identity to fulfilment of aspirations

It’s jobs stupid bihar’s politics is moving away from identity to fulfilment of aspirations

Bihar is seen as a bellwether state to gauge political trends in north India. Three decades ago it was the crucible for the emergence of politics shaped around identities. Caste was the fulcrum of identity politics in the region. The campaigning and voting for Bihar’s assembly election, which concluded last week, suggests that politics here is once again in midst of a far-reaching transition. Political messaging around identity is giving way to one that promises fulfilment of aspirations. Employment opportunities, or their absence, was the hot button topic. This is a change for the better.

The numbers show why jobs were discussed widely. According to CMIE data, Bihar’s unemployment rate in October was 9.8%, about three percentage points higher than the national average. The state was amongst the worst hit by the lockdown as a large number of young people migrate out in search of jobs. While Bihar’s economy has done well in the last two years in terms of growth rates, the problem lies with its structure. Manufacturing in Bihar’s economy is less than half the size of its agricultural sector. Therefore, the state’s per capita income is the lowest and there’s pressure to migrate in search of opportunity.

Exit polls suggest that unemployment was the most important issue for voters, particularly the young. Clearly, political parties have grasped this as the rhetoric seemed to address this issue. What’s clear is that the alliance which forms the next government will have to prioritise the economy. As a corollary, it will have to instil confidence in industry that Bihar presents a good opportunity for investment. This transition in Bihar’s politics is the single biggest gain of the election. The bellwether state may well herald a larger shift.