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The dust has largely settled on the intensely fought Bihar Assembly elections of 2020, yet the political discourse surrounding the results continues to simmer. While the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ultimately secured a narrow victory, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) put up a formidable fight, exceeding many expectations. In the immediate aftermath of the counting, which saw dramatic swings and a nail-biting finish, the RJD and its allies had vociferously raised concerns about alleged electoral irregularities, coining phrases like ‘vote chori’ (vote theft). However, in the weeks following the declaration of results, the RJD’s narrative has subtly but significantly shifted, now emphasizing the inherent ‘ups and downs’ of political life while largely remaining silent on its earlier, sharper accusations.
RJD’s Philosophical Shift: Embracing Political Vicissitudes
After a campaign that saw their leader, Tejashwi Yadav, draw massive crowds and emerge as a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s chair, the final results were undoubtedly a setback for the RJD. Despite becoming the single largest party, the Mahagathbandhan fell short of the magic number by a mere 12 seats. This outcome, coming after initial leads that suggested a clear victory for the opposition, led to palpable frustration within the alliance.
However, Tejashwi Yadav, often seen as the face of the Mahagathbandhan, has since adopted a more measured and philosophical tone. His public statements have increasingly focused on respecting the democratic process and acknowledging the ebb and flow of political fortunes. “Politics is a game of ups and downs. We have to respect the public’s mandate,” Yadav was quoted as saying in the days following the results, encapsulating the party’s evolved stance. This approach signals a strategic pivot, aiming to project maturity and a commitment to democratic values, even in defeat.
This shift isn’t merely semantic; it represents a pragmatic understanding of the political landscape. While the initial allegations of electoral malpractice resonated with a section of their supporters, pursuing them legally and politically without concrete, irrefutable evidence could prove to be a protracted and potentially fruitless battle. By embracing the ‘ups and downs’ narrative, the RJD perhaps seeks to avoid being pigeonholed as a party that questions every adverse outcome, thus preserving its credibility for future electoral contests.
The Echo of ‘Vote Chori’ and Strategic Silence
The contrast between the RJD’s immediate reaction and its current position is stark. During the counting process, as leads fluctuated and the Mahagathbandhan’s initial advantage dwindled, senior RJD leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav himself and spokespersons like Manoj Jha, had raised serious questions. Allegations included slow counting processes, unexplained rejection of postal ballots, and discrepancies in vote tallies, especially in closely contested constituencies. The party even approached the Election Commission with a memorandum detailing their concerns.
The phrase ‘vote chori’, though not always explicitly used by the top brass, became a powerful slogan among grassroots workers and on social media, reflecting a deep sense of betrayal and suspicion regarding the fairness of the outcome. Many within the Mahagathbandhan firmly believed that their victory had been “stolen” through administrative manipulation.
Yet, in the weeks that followed, as the new NDA government took office, the intensity of these allegations from the RJD leadership significantly diminished. There have been no major protests or sustained legal challenges mounted by the party directly on the scale one might expect given the initial outcry. This silence on ‘vote chori’ can be interpreted in several ways. It could be a recognition that gathering definitive proof for widespread malpractice is exceedingly difficult. Alternatively, it might be a calculated move to avoid alienating a section of the electorate or the Election Commission, focusing instead on strengthening the party’s base and preparing for the next electoral cycle.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding and Rethinking Strategy
By moving past the immediate blame game, the RJD appears to be repositioning itself for the long haul. The party has a robust support base, and Tejashwi Yadav’s individual appeal has certainly grown. Their current strategy suggests a focus on consolidating this support and acting as a responsible, albeit strong, opposition. This measured response could help them shed past perceptions and project an image of a mature political force ready to learn from both victories and defeats.
The Bihar election results underscore the unpredictability of Indian politics. While the sting of a near-miss undoubtedly lingers, the RJD’s pivot towards a more philosophical acceptance of outcomes, coupled with a strategic silence on the more contentious ‘vote chori’ allegations, marks a significant chapter in its post-election strategy. It signals a party perhaps looking to channel its energies into effective opposition and long-term political resurgence, rather than getting entangled in prolonged disputes over the past.
