Did you know that Bihar, once known for its rich history and intellectual heritage, has struggled to keep up with the rest of India in terms of development? For over three decades, the state has been governed by leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar. While their political legacies remain strong, Bihar’s potential has withered under their watch. This article is a deep dive into how their combined governance models—marked by populism, corruption, and short-sighted policies—have kept Bihar behind.
Lalu Prasad Yadav Era (1990–2005): The Era of Decline
When Lalu Yadav took over Bihar in 1990, there was hope for change. But his 15-year rule is often remembered as a dark chapter in Bihar’s history.Economic Breakdown: Bihar’s economy saw severe stagnation. Industrial development was ignored. From 2001–2005, the average GDP growth hovered around a dismal 2.9%.
Lawlessness and Jungle Raj: The law-and-order situation spiraled out of control. Kidnappings, caste-based violence, and extortion became common. This earned Bihar the unfortunate label of “Jungle Raj.”
No Infrastructure Development: Roads, electricity, healthcare, and education were neglected. Public services collapsed, making life miserable, especially in rural areas.
Corruption at Its Peak: The infamous fodder scam, involving Lalu himself, exposed the depth of systemic corruption. Billions were looted, and government offices functioned with little accountability.
Nitish Kumar Era (2005–Present): Progress Undone
When Nitish Kumar became Chief Minister in 2005, he was seen as a savior. Initially, he brought positive reforms. But over time, politics overpowered progress.
Early Reforms and Economic Growth: Bihar saw double-digit growth in his first term. Roads were rebuilt, schools were opened, and law and order improved.
Short-Lived Change: By his second and third terms, political ambitions took over. Frequent alliances, especially returning to Lalu’s RJD, created instability.
Low Job Creation: While infrastructure saw some boost, jobs didn’t. In 2018–19, only 10.4% of working individuals had salaried jobs—among the lowest in India.
Educational Crisis: Despite building schools, quality remained poor. Teachers were underpaid, and cheating in board exams was widespread.
Corruption and Bureaucratic Paralysis: Though less visible than Lalu’s time, corruption returned. Government contracts, exams, and welfare schemes all saw irregularities.
Three Decades of Missed Opportunities
Let’s look at the major areas where Bihar could have grown—and how bad governance ruined it:
1. Industrial Growth: Bihar’s strategic location and rich labor pool were ignored. No big industries came in. Young people had to migrate for jobs.
2. Agricultural Reform: Despite being an agricultural state, Bihar never invested in irrigation, storage, or market reforms. Farmers remained poor and dependent on outdated methods.
3. Healthcare System: Government hospitals lack doctors, equipment, and infrastructure. Even today, patients travel to Delhi and Patna for basic treatments.
4. Migration Crisis: Lack of opportunities forced millions to move out of Bihar. Entire districts rely on money sent by migrants working in Delhi, Punjab, and Maharashtra.
Why Did This Happen?
Populist Politics: Both Lalu and Nitish focused more on vote banks than governance. They prioritized caste arithmetic over long-term development.
Corrupt Governance: Widespread corruption in recruitment, tenders, and administration ensured no policy was implemented efficiently.
No Vision for Future: Bihar was never given a long-term roadmap. Most development was short-term or politically motivated.
Lessons for the Future
Stable and Visionary Leadership: Bihar needs leaders who think beyond elections and caste.
Investment in Education and Jobs: The youth of Bihar is talented. They need quality education and local job opportunities.
Transparent Governance: Curbing corruption must be the top priority. Technology and public audits can help.
Modernizing Agriculture: With the right policies, Bihar’s farmers can be prosperous.
