India, Nov. 16 -- On two days, on October 31 and November 1, 5 days ahead of the first phase of polling, when rain lashed Bihar and campaign schedules went haywire, two contrasting images emerged.

One leader, 34-year-old Tejashwi Yadav, chose to address voters through his mobile phone, citing the incessant rainfall. The other, 74-year-old Nitish Kumar, set out by road, travelling over 600 kilometres across Patna, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali, determined to meet people in person despite hostile weather.

The weather was the same; the choices were not. That contrast told a larger story about leadership, resolve and priorities. Nitish Kumar was scheduled to address a major public meeting in Kusheshwa...