Even in the heat of elections, busy making caste calculations and the attendant campaign rhetoric, they cannot ignore this constituency. Political parties in Bihar cannot but find time to meet this different but vital segment — stockbrokers and businessmen visiting the State to get a sense of what the electoral outcome will be.
“The polls in Bihar are vital to underscoring the authority of the ruling party at the Centre or undermining it. The Union government’s attitude to reforms and business sentiment is indirectly attached to these polls,” said a businessman in the delegation who did not wish to be named.
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The development prospects of the State were, surprisingly, a secondary consideration. “The most important factor is how these polls will affect market sentiment,” he said.
The rather dim ranking of the State on development indices under 15 years of Rashtriya Janata Dal rule is another factor. Several industries wound up during that period, and power supply was in a dismal state.
Party leader Lalu Prasad fielded its spokesperson Manoj Jha, a Professor in Delhi School of Social Work, to interact with the visiting groups.
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“I did meet several groups, even the stockbrokers, and they had some fears with regard to the situation and our party’s attitude towards development,” Mr. Jha said.
“I assured them that there was nothing to fear, and pointed out to Lalu ji ’s successful stint as Railway Minister as an example,” he added.
The advantage of an alliance with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who drove the State to double-digit growth rates, was highlighted.
BJP chief Amit Shah reportedly told the groups that his party would form the next government in the State.
Bihar has always punched above its weight in national politics, with the Assembly elections having national implications. The bulls and bears too are restive.