We ought to be surprised by the electoral outcome in Bihar. Not because exit polls had framed our expectations otherwise. Not because media ground reports suggested reversals for the ruling coalition. Not because many of us would have liked very different results.
We ought to be surprised because yet another victory for the incumbent in this state and at this juncture in national life flies in the face of the logic of democratic politics. Students of politics must be surprised by this outcome. When we cover up our surprise, we close the doors of learning.
ALSO READ: Second Is First Fiddle
Just think of a state that houses some of the poorest people in India, and the world. Its per capita income, as a proportion of the national figure, has consistently declined over the last five decades. It has a relatively younger population and higher contribution to the labour pool. Yet it has the lowest labour participation ratio in India and...
THIS ARTICLE IS PRICELESS...
To read this piece, and more such stories in India's most exciting and exacting magazine, plus get access to our 25-year archives goldmine, please subscribe.
