India, Nov. 5 -- Bihar is in the throes of yet another election, a five year event that changes nothing on the ground but jolts it to the hilt. As Bihar heads into the first phase of polling on November 6, the stage is set for one of the most fiercely contested Assembly elections in recent times. This election is crucial as the stakes are high-not just for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the NDA alliance, but also for INDIA bloc led by the RJD-Congress combine as their strength and cohesion would be tested. In a state where political equations are based on caste calculus and shifting alliance is more of a rule than exception, both sides are presenting sharply contrasting narratives. The issues are not new but promises are. Predictably the n...