New Delhi, Nov. 13 -- What has left the political class befuddled is trying to make sense of this unusually high voter turnout. Is it driven by anti-incumbency against Nitish Kumar's coalition government, or is it due to women voters pleased with the BJP government's largesse of Rs.10,000 that was given to them?

Despite his shortcomings, Nitish Kumar remains acceptable to a large section of people in Bihar and across political parties. The general belief is that he would not allow harm to the state and would work in its best interest. That assertion, however, has been challenged by the campaign narrative of his opponents-the Tejashwi Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress Party.

Although some government schemes have benef...