India, Nov. 16 -- There can be no excuses for the Bihar poll debacle of the Mahagathbandhan, and any attempts to attribute the grand and spectacular victory of the NDA to vote chori is most ridiculous. In fact, it was superior strategy, deft implementation of the plans and foot soldiers on the ground that delivered for the BJP, JDU and their alliance partners.

The point which arises is that what does this overwhelming triumph mean in political terms, and how does it impact national politics? It is more than evident that Amit Shah has been able to outmanoeuvre his opponents and has made use of Nitish's acceptance amongst the masses, particularly women, to carve out this win, the scale of which has even surprised the voters.

Yes, Prime Mi...