This refers to the editorial, “The grand comeback” (November 9). The electoral result in Bihar is more significant for the crushing defeat of the NDA, than for the sensational victory of the grand alliance. It is an unequivocal rejection of politics of polarisation, more so while the spectre of religious intolerance is looming large. The heavy defeat is also attributable to the arrogance of power and the neglect and derision of the Dalits.
Now that the people of Bihar have stayed with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and endorsed the political vision espoused by him, there is a distinct possibility that he may emerge as the rallying point for ‘secular’ forces on the national stage, to banish communal elements. RJD chief lalu Prasad must get the credit he deserves for joining hands with his erstwhile rival and giving up the claim of chief ministership for the RJD. Now, the grand alliance has an enormous task to deliver on its promises of social harmony, social justice and development, and also to justify the faith Bihar’s voters have put in it.