Mr Lalu Prasad appeared invincible in Bihar. However, the people of the State, through their vote, have proved otherwise, in the bargain also demolishing a number of myths about Bihar. Among these were: free and fair elections cannot be held in Bihar; and caste before change.

The recent elections to the State Assembly disproved all of these.

For the first time, one could see the total elimination of the usual `poll management' gimmicks, and simultaneously a vote for change and not caste. There yet remains one more myth to be demolished — that Bihar cannot make quick progress on the development and governance front.

The new government takes over when the State is ranked low in development among States. And moving up from there is certainly a daunting task before the new government, but not altogether impossible with committed effort and political will.

I.R. Sharma

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