One of the most populous and economically backward states of India — Bihar — soon goes to polls. The state is dealing with floods, violence, and unemployment, accentuated by the return of migrant labourers. But these don’t qualify as election issues here. Bihar is obsessed with the death of its ‘son’ Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput and the alleged role his partner Rhea Chakraborty played in it. The Bihari asmita has, once again, taken precedence over the pressing issues of the day and politicians, from Modi to Nitish, are loving it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “DNA” remark in the 2015 assembly election didn’t go well with the Biharis. This time, Modi is playing his cards well. In the past eight months, he has mentioned Litti-Chokha, Chhath Puja and the valour of ‘Bihari’ in the Galwan Valley. What happened to the Rs 1.25 lakh crore package? The PM has given it a pass. He has learnt well from his coalition partner and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar — honor the identity of Biharis and the votes shall fall in the ‘right’ boxes.
Biharis are hurt and demanding ‘justice for Sushant’, but what about ‘justice for Bihar’? A generation of politicians have, for decades, done to the state gross injustice in terms of governance, but sadly that’s not important for the average voter when he goes to the hustings. Here is a list of issues that doesn’t offend Biharis.
Also read: In poll year, Nitish is already under fire for Covid handling, now he has to tackle floods
‘Atmanirbhar’ students
Few can forget Ruby Ray, the Bihar board exam topper, whose TV interview had gone viral for not being able to answer basic questions. Ruby was charged with cheating and forgery. The case is a reflection of a corrupt education system that has lost its credibility nationally and promotes the culture of ‘fraud’.
The state of higher education is no different — the academic calendar of some universities is perennially delayed and many students are not able to complete the course in time. From primary to post-graduation, the system is marred by inefficiency, corruption and zero vision. Here, students are Atmanirbhar.
Also read: Sushant Rajput death is BJP’s chance to finish brand Aaditya Thackeray, after Rahul Gandhi
Burden of dowry deaths
According to the National Crime Records Bureau 2017 data, Bihar had the second highest number of dowry deaths and murders in India. The NCRB data for 2012, 2013 and 2014 also puts Bihar in the second spot for achieving this ignominious feat. Such heinous crimes against women are committed in seemingly normal families, the god- fearing families, and educated families.
Also read: Only Lalu Prasad Yadav could have stopped Mandir politics again. BJP must be relieved
The curse of caste
The Total Revolution of Jayaprakash Narayan, which dismantled the mighty Indira Gandhi government, has its roots in Bihar. Arvind Das writes in his book — Republic of Bihar — that the ‘revolution’ had started after fights over ‘free cinema tickets’. Apparently, it was at the booking window of a theatre where the revolution started. And from this revolution, emerged leaders who have ruled Bihar since — Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar and Ram Vilas Paswan, among prominent ones, are all a product of that era.
Interestingly, the politics of Bihar has looked like a Bollywood film since then. Milan Vaishnav, in his book, When Crime Pays: Money and Muscle in Indian Politics, writes that a criminal has more chances of winning an election. In Bihar, crime and criminals dictate politics.
Also read: For Patna being the dirtiest in India, the blame is on all—from Lalu Yadav to Nitish Kumar
Frankenstein floods
During Monsoons, half of Bihar gets drowned almost every year. The lines by Phanishwar Nath Renu, written more than 50 year ago on floods, still ring true. Don’t forget that immortal picture of Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Modi stranded on the road, in his shorts. It tells you the broad picture of floods. Apart from nature’s fury, years of poor urban planning is a big reason for the annual pain. So, it is also man made.
The IAS pride vs illiteracy
Since 2010, the number of IAS/IPS candidates from Bihar qualifying the exam have gone down. But on social media, people from Bihar continue to take pride in the laurels of the past. They forget the fact that Bihar lies at the last rung of literacy in India. The state did not take advantage of the Green revolution, economic liberalisation, or the IT boom.
Public transport
The state has forgotten that it is the duty of the government to provide public transport. But the Bihar government doesn’t feel the need. Poor public transport affects everything — from education, to economy, to healthcare. We often see visuals from Bihar, in which pregnant women are being carried on khaat, bicycle etc.
Jungle Raj 2.0
It seems that the ‘Jungle Raj’ has stuck with Bihar. In 15 years of Nitish Kumar’s rule, things haven’t improved much. The Jungle Raj stays no matter who is the chief minister. You become a CM but the Raj goes by the rules of the jungle. What else should you expect when the state’s deputy chief minister pleas to the criminals to ‘not do any crime in Pitri Paksha’.
Glorification of vulgarity
The Bhojpuri language has been kept hostage to vulgar songwriters and singers. They have the tendency to use any opportunity to make a vulgar song — be it corona, NRC, CAA, Sushant case, China, or Pakistan. You name it. The language couldn’t become a medium of education, and hence lost its academic glory.
Loss of political ideologies
Nitish Kumar and Ram Vilas Paswan opposed Narendra Modi on secularism-communalism debate over the 2002 Gujarat riots. However, both are Sugriv and Vibhishan to Modi now. Politics of Jeetan Ram Manjhi is also not clear. He has tried all possibilities. Congress has been out since the 1990s. BJP, too, is not trying its Hindu-Muslim polarsiation in the state. It clearly suggests that Bihar is largely secular, but there is political void.
Also read: All parties promise ‘achhe din’. But only BJP has the 3 Ms that make it stand apart
Past won’t last
Arvind Das writes that Biharis once petitioned to rename Patna as Patliputra. Patliputra was founded by Ajathshatru who had killed his father Bimbisara. This explains the identity crisis of Biharis, in which, a feudal fratricidal historical man becomes a hero. But they are not finding their heroes in those who have brought social and cultural changes in Bihar. Their glorification of feudalism keeps the social morale down.
When a state is so rooted in feudalism, identity and caste, it becomes difficult to rise for change. The continuity appears to be the most comfortable option and any change is considered an attack on identity.
Bihar doesn’t seem to have learned from Gautam Buddha, who peacefully revolted against Brahiminical practices and feudal system, and showed a new light to the world. The people of Bihar seem to be submerged in practices that the Buddha abhorred. This could be a reason why they are not asking for a fair deal from their politicians.
Buddha must be laughing.
Views are personal.
Aapko aisa kyo lgta hai ki Bihar k logo ko ye issues k bare me nhi PTA HR baat me Modi ko beech me lane ki kya zrurat JB lalu ne wha Ka Pura system law & order ki dhajjiya uda Di thi tb to Cong k govt thi. Aur fir bhi Cong ne Kuch nhi kiya
The entire concept is true…even I am too Bihari…but never stayed in bihar, the people are ready to change my parents where born and brought up in the 80s, they seems to have comprises the way how entire thongs work…when the opportunity is not there the people migrant to other states and help them grow ,all Biharis are handful of hardwork but when it comes for the implementation there is nothing more than a road that is still trying to find its destination without any conditions.
People there, have left the hope of development because nothing has been done except the fear if we won’t vote the basics that they get somehow will be take and left abandoned. Every state has some quality since ancient time the India was know as MAGADH,but now the heritage is not maintained because been a democratic state,there is nothing called a rights have ever come given to the citizens,what is constant that is the fear,when that fear is not removed the change is next to impossible.
Lury pr stunt by rhea lobby, shame
Looks like that you have not done any ground research on Bihar state..all the reasons are in the air..I have seen the developed states and these reasons exists there too..but no media reports them…except the local newspapers…
So you mean to say we shoukd not fight for justice? You guys earn your bread and butter criticizing and blaming Biharies, you cover any of these topics you are now listing in your article. Biharies are standing for justice so you came up to diverted that like Check on your wife befire checking your daughter. You guys always talk shit. Keep your ass out of it, Once Bihari decide on something they do not back off. We are not coward and our thoughts are beound the leavel you can imagin. This is the land of Ashok the great, chanakya, Bufha , Mahavir, Rajendra Prasad, we think big, where you thoughts end , Bihari thoughts stsrt from there.
Your limit ends here, spreading fake allegations and propaganda’s can’t prevent SSR Murderers, Reah her Buddha and baby Penguin all will get punished and will be thrashed by CBI. No one can grave the truth neither you nor Reah nor your Buddha. Playing victim card can’t prevent these drug dealers who had murdered SSR.
We as Bihari are proud of what we are. When people from other states make a comment ‘Oh you are from bihar’, that time where is your journalism to give us “Bihari” Equal status as other states of India. Whatever above points you are telling about bihar, i don’t think other states are free from those problems. And we are obsessed with the murder of a Bihari ‘Sushant Singh Rajput’.
This article is problematic to the core because of two reasons: First, not only people of Bihar, people of India & the whole of the world are demanding justice for SSR. If they are doing so, then why is it problematic is not clearly explained here! Second, elections should be based on the issues that concern every person of the state. So the comparison of SSR case vs. the election issues loses essence. And I don’t see anything exceptional happening in Bihar concerning elections because I do not see anything better when it comes to the whole of India! (Is it doing better? Ask yourselves? So are these issues problematic only for a state or for the whole of the country?) If it was any better for India, it’d definitely come to limelight. Basically, I did not find the article credible or interesting at all! And I also think the journalist’s opinions are morally biased because she is not aware of the real issues as is visible from no mention of the ‘Migrant crisis’. Targetting a state based on it’s culture is highly biased & ignorant considering the incomplete information & knowledge of the same!
Writer is relative of Rhea l guess
I understand that u r doing your job, thanks for your view ?
Disgusting article . Journalism at it’s lowest
The most pathetic and bias article ever published . Have some standards Yadav . Looks like a Bihari ditched you ?
If the viewz are personal, keep them personal. Do not serve your propaganda in the name of blaming other propaganda gangs. You are the lot calling the kettle black.
I have read some of the articles by this person .I found her article extremely biased ,half presented facts.If you are so talented why dont u clear IAS, or lets say CAT .Its very easy to target someone and let someone down i dont think u have acheieved something great by bieng a journalist with The print there are lakhs of journalist.I am not from Bihar..
Very well written. Couldn’t agree more to each of the 10 points enumerated above. However, you have left one point which I like to mention here: pathetic attitude of media towards bihar. Using it for their own narrative. Never have I have read a sole report on Bihar’s dilapidated condition with a proposal for improvement in the condition of the state. However, I have read plethora of articles pointing out Bihar’s pathetic condition in contrast with some prevailing issues (breaking news) pushing one’s agenda.
I urge you to do some positive journalism. I would also request you to highlight the condition of Bihar without any prejudice or agenda.
Yes, sensationally amazing article. High level shit. This lady is in a league of her own. I bow down to her genius. Make her president. Her wisdom will guide us to a better tomorrow. Very positive journalism.
(This is just a sample, I want Rs 100 per comment)
It a shame to see journalism hitting so low. This clearly looks like a paid PR , clearly Shekhar has been paid heavily to publish such articles. Talking about the author Jyoti Yadav, this article clearly demonstrates the lack of skills she possess as a journalist. When she mentioned about the economic condition of BJP , dowry , IAS , illiteracy etc , there is not data provide by her to analyse nor she has quoted any reference . When you print article at social media platforms make sure it’s valid enough for people to cross examine . I finding it funny that authors like her are given the opportunity to write on such sensitive topics , a first year journalism student could have done better than her. Well it’s time Gupta should do what is called as the Actual Journalism . *Views are personal
Very well written. Couldn’t agree more to each of the 10 points enumerated above. However, you have left one point which I like to mention here: pathetic attitude of media towards bihar. Using it for their own narrative. Never have I have read a sole report on Bihar’s dilapidated condition with a proposal for improvement in the condition of the state. However, I have read plethora of articles pointing out Bihar’s pathetic condition in contrast with some prevailing issues (breaking news) pushing one’s agenda.
I urge you to do some positive journalism.
Stop diverting the case now, will you?
Load of crap. If people unite for a cause (SSR in this case), you say there are more important issues. Well, it is for the people to decide, period.
Bika hua journalism aapko mubarak ho
Soo.. The writer of this post is making big big statements.. Let me tell u one thing here.. If the bihari people are starting somewhere with such a revolt, support it..don’t be a shameless one to point out all their past.. Use your mighty words towards your own shitty province where your surname comes from, to begin with.. Begin positive changes from your hometown…before hurling mud at someone else’s… With due respect to all the sensible ones from your state, you should take it as an offense, as you are a disappointment yourself… Your mentality is worse than the most downtrodden people, which is why, u think Rhea needs the support, coz in your opinion, she is perhaps, still better than you..
and tejaswi yadav son of lalu yadav and delhi daredevils player will solve bihar’s problem lol
Why the hell are u throwing it at Biharis??? I guess any personal problem or just want to shift the attention to some other side…why these news channels Aajtak r Bharat so much concerned over this issue…this is not a Bihari boy thing but a complete politics of Riya and her family…Biharis never said about drugs? and yes flood to Mumbai and Delhi me v aai h why don’t u point to them??
and tejaswi yadav son of lalu yadav and delhi daredevils player will solve bihar’s problem lol
The most honest ARTICLE i have ever read in my life about the truth of the state ..although i belong from the same place but still i am not a person who is just blindly offended..rather i appreciate the HONESTy
Even if i consider what ever you said is true, why isn’t this news another shot at defaming the PM. Trust me i am not a very fan of the man but using the death of an actor who never was never meant to be an actor.. You came above that so called Bihari Mindset and that Jungle Raj you talk about and proved his worth in an industry where all people do is lick balls for chances… I guess the nation needs to support someone like him. Also, it’s not just about one person. Take the example of George Floyd. If you reported that you would be like one black man shot is not a deal worth protesting in front of the president and forcing him into his bunker. But we all know it’s a very big issue beneath one case. Film industry is that issue here and Sushant was just a case to open your eyes. So, next time report about issues but not by mockery of an issue that you feel is not worth the reason of your TRP. Trust me, it makes you no better than the people mock.
I am from bihar a software dev and english and salary much higher then the people of this post its not the most backward ur mindset is the most backward .Its the governing party who are not doing anything to suppory the people there so just shut up and post something good things instead of talkimg shit.And we will talk about rhea as she sells drug hahah its show the mindset of the eople of u know which state ?.shame on such mindset
All points raised in this article are valid and it is upto political parties to raise this issue. I am sure people are aware of issues in their respective constituency and will raise it appropriate forum at right time. Linking these issues with SSR case clearly shows corrupt intentions of the writer. In fact SSR case will play a key role in Maharastra politics where, people have clearly seen how biased and corrupt Maharastra goverment and mumbai police was in this case. If a high profile murder case was not investigated properly and mumbai police was supporting accused, then even locals are feeling threaten that police will support criminal in any case. Is this scenario safe enough for any peaceful person living in society???
100% true. As always, appreciate ur article.
But, goodluck for trolling!?
Bihari Ashmita is on the way..
Though,this article has nothing more than adding negativity to bihar,along with 100s of media house who have nothing more than declaring it as Sicily of India, zaire of Africa and god knows what else.. Why can’t they cover a story on failure of political parties in ruling Bihar. Why can’t on annual flood situation bringing havoc . Why not on hordes of labor migration from bihar and not industrializing bihar.Why a poor state like bihar has been broken by center resulting mineral and industry rich jharkhand getting away from it and worst of all not even compensated for the loss… Why there has been no central university, hospital & industry… Governance is just NOT a term or concept that’s an idea to mange state.. It’s a failure of state & central gov, and not people of bihar who are suffering from it from decades.
really?? are you for real ?? the print you now stand with druggies?
seems like u r pissed with Biharis… that’s not unique…maybe ur bihari colleagues are smarter than u…post has been very irrelevant…u need to work on urself bro!!!
The way you have written things is not good, bihar is changed a lot these days people are safe and well educated.
Dislike ka button lgado. Aadha gyan oe tmhre reality check mil jaega
Such poor and biased journalism..
Except for a few states like Delhi, Kerala, and some handful more, the condition of rest of the India with regard to priorities for voting are same-religion, caste, and their separate identity.
Stop trying to take our minds off the SSR case. It’s NOT going to work. Stop your cheap journalism tactics, you’re doing a very crappy job of it.
For a change, a good article from Print! Something more relevant and beyond an actor’s tragic death! The bigger picture which everyone needs to see…it’s already high time!
Really you will stoop so low you are a presstitute. You always support bad people.
Not Only Biharis but ppl from every state is standing up for Sushant, you are mistaken bro
Its people choose to follow and stand up for what they believe, these issue are from long period yet nobody cared when Indian stood up fr George Floyd but ow for Sushant they are being judged!! Pseudo Intellectuals!!
Please Stop your nonsense journalism. Enough of portraying Reah as innocent little girl. Now you have stooped too low. Insulting entire state of Bihar. Someone should take legal action against you.
Its Maharashtra police who badly botched up the investigation who is responsible for this !!!!
Bilkul ye Rhea ki PR team ban chuki hai The print. Bihar Ko gali deke Soniya Sena Ko bachana chahti h the print.
Print is doing a great job ! Finally someone has the guts to write such a article ! The print should feel proud that Andh bhakts apni attentance lagavne atleast are visiting neutral media outlets like The print! And Andh bhakta can atleast read some genuine and real issues and be informed about countries crisis ! Andh bhakts are supporting diarrhoic journalism of gobarswami and a actress kongona who has undress herself to earn money and serve the sanghis ! I hope people of bihar will teach these Andh bhakts a lesson! Time for Gobarswami to suicide , bohot CBI CBi kar raha tha na
you sound like an Anda Bhakt.
Your leader is really Anda
Your miniscule Bihari IQ is well visible in your comment! Thanks for vomiting out stupidity that you have!
Are “the people of Bihar” going to read this article? The Print continues to blow its silly little out of tune trumpet in its echo chamber.
Great writing skill. The breath of your knowledge and the rigor of your journalistic training are evident. You are wasting your time in this one sport, overpopulated country with lazy people who are obsessed with Gold but not gold medals and take pride in becoming IT outsourcing hub rather than innovation hotbed. You deserve to be in the company of top elite of BBCs and Reuters !
Your cow belt description of India fits the bill perfectly. Eastern states are in shambles but even Northern states endowed with healthy cows and overflowing with milk are suffering from from lactose intolerance. Look at the menace of female foeticide, barbaric panchayats and drugs. And heck they are not even producing IAS officers! Just vulgar, misogynist rappers.
Why is Print still giving space to this female again? Most bigot*d person ever! Disappointed with Print. Shekar Gupta ji, do you want us to donate and support Print while you encourage such people in your site?
At around 11.30 am I received a call on my Jio no , the person at the other end identified himself as Rahul Sharma from Jio customer care center , he said he wanted to verify my Aadhar no or my phone no would be disconnected .For that he wanted me to download an app . I asked him to get lost . For he had a strong Bihari Accent .This is not politically correct but facts sometimes are not politically correct .
The more Jyoti talks about Rhea, the more people hate bollywood. It doesn’t affect Bihar, but will certainly hit the lady as CBI is almost got her with drugs.
Fuck you for spitting venom?
Same could be counted for all other states!!
I think you are too late to see all these things in Bihar. Actually in short you want to insult Bihari people to protect so called Rhea ? don’t try to distract. every Bihari know all these things and we all are fighting with all these problem alone . No one trying to change Bihar so you don’t have any Right to say anything like this?☹️
While mentioning Ruby ray, why you forgot Kalpna kumari?