... Propelled into power in 1990 by chance, Laloo Yadav had consolidated his hold in Bihar through the Mandal magic and by stopping L.K. Advani's Rath Yatra. The formidable combination of OBCs and Muslims enabled his Janata Dal to bag most of Bihar's 54 seats in the 1991 general election.
Yet Laloo frittered away this base ... The Laloo magic started to fade in 1996 itself. Samata and BJP aligned to win 30 seats in that year's election, and 32 in 1998. But till then, it was more a battle of attrition. However, the Samata-BJP combine received a fillip once Paswan joined the NDA and blunted Laloo's MY edge ... Yet, despite the BJP's tremendous performance, its own vote share has declined by four per cent - and the Congress' has increased by five per cent. This is exactly where Paswan managed to damage Laloo. His Dalit support provided the winning edge. That the RJD and Congress could manage just eight out of 40 seats in north and central Bihar is proof. Muslim alienation was also crucial, especially at Madhepura where Laloo failed to woo the Muslim-dominated segment ...
Again, Kishanganj constituency, 70 per cent Muslim, elected BJP candidate ... Laloo Yadav has reasons to worry - with the Assembly election only three months away, the BJP-Samata-JD(U) combine, on the basis of this performance, could win 160 Assembly seats ... Detractors, however, admit that though Laloo is down, it would be foolish to declare him out ...
Laloo's Comeuppance Editorial, The Times of India
If the NDA finds itself so comfortably placed in the 13 Lok Sabha, it has largely Laloo Prasad Yadav of Bihar to thank. By capturing 40 out of the state's 54 seats, the BJP-Janata Dal(U) combine has delivered a stunning blow to the RRJD. The electoral verdict has punctured the hubris of Mr. Yadav and demonstrated that no leader, however populist his image, can take the people for a ride in perpetuity. Mr. Yadav has (mis)ruled the roost in Bihar for 10 years. At one time, his slogan of social justice had a certain popular resonance; he gave voice to hitherto silent sections and helped broaden the political terrain not just in Bihar but also across India. Unfortunately, he failed to understand that 'empowerment' is not just a matter of having MLAs and MPs who are one's caste brothers. If representatives are unable to improve the lives of their constituents - provide them with schools and health facilities, jobs security and dignity - it is small consolation that they happen to belong to OBC or SC ...
The BJP and the JD(U) are eagerly awaiting next year's assembly elections ... The NDA would do well to not subvert the democratic process; instead, nature should be allowed to take its own course.
