Of politics, sports, women and everything in between--This too is Bihar

Sport is often used as a soft power is the new flex for politicians and Nitish wasn’t going to miss boarding the trend train. After all, it is a way of showcasing development despite persistent socio-economic issues.

Rajgir: The state of Bihar is in the midst of an Assembly election frenzy: Candidates are flashing smiles and waving hands while frowning at their competitors; various party workers are doing the legwork as they campaign with folded hands (or flexing muscles) to "convince" the common man to vote for their "sahebs" or "madamjis". The battle to reign supreme is well and truly underway.

In the middle of all this chaotic tug of war, the men’s hockey Asia Cup — with India as the favourite in an eight-team event — is being held in Rajgir, situated 103 km southeast of state capital Patna.

“If you keep going straight (for 300 km), this road will reach Ranchi, M S Dhoni’s hometown,” said a taxi driver on the Ghoghardiha-Durgasthan Road between Bhaktiarpur and Harnaut en route to Rajgir from the Patna airport.

“We have one of our own: Ishan Kishan. Do you know him? But he isn’t as good as Dhoni,” he let out a sigh as we passed a hoarding advertising the Asia Cup with mascot "Chand" — a tiger holding a hockey stick — with a mugshot of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the top left.

“You came here to watch hockey? Oh, hockey pata nahi (I don’t know). This is the Nalanda district, which is where Nitishji is from. That’s why you see so many of his posters. They are building a big cricket stadium. Then IPL will happen here too,” pointed out the driver with 'Ray' as his surname.

The under-construction cricket stadium, with a seating capacity of 45,000, is at the Rajgir Sports Complex, inside which the Asia Cup is currently underway.

The multi-sport facility, first announced by CM Nitish in 2018, is spread across 90 acres with 25 different sports, and is being developed at a cost of approximately Rs 750 crore.

Using sports as a soft power is the new flex for politicians and Nitish wasn’t going to miss boarding the trend train. After all, it is a way of showcasing development despite persistent socio-economic issues.

As 'Ray' slowed down to let a pedestrian cross the road, he remarked, "Ye sab puraana sanskaar hai (These are old traditions)", pointing to the woman with her head and face covered by her saree.

“When my daughter was born, she was in the incubator for three months. Everyone told me 'Beti hai, kaike liye rupiah karcha karrahe ho? Chhod do'. (It's a girl. Why are you spending money on her?)' Maine bola nahi, beti mere liye Laxmi hai (I said my daughter is my Laxmi — Goddess of prosperity). She is in Standard 10 now. She speaks good English,” said Ray.

Bihar fares among the worst Indian states in female foeticide, and hit a new low of 882 females per 1,000 males at birth last December.

According to a recent report, the electoral rolls released after the special intensive revision (SIR) had around 31 lakh fewer women electors compared to the one prepared in January.

Incidentally, the women’s Asian Champions Trophy was the first international tournament held at the new hockey turf in Rajgir that was inaugurated last year. The Salima Tete-led Indian team beat China to lift the trophy.

Earlier this month, the Asia Rugby U-20 Championship was held at the sports facility here, with the home girls making history by clinching India’s first bronze at the event.

The intent behind hosting big events, according to stakeholders, is to inspire the next generation of sportspersons — especially the women.

However, the result of the "larger good" will become apparent at least 15 years from now. Until then, it is the sport of politics making the biggest headlines in Bihar.