HIGHS IN DELHI, LOWS IN BIHAR

I was determined to see the end of the BJP-led government at the Centre, because I believed that both Bihar and the rest of the country had suffered as a consequence of this party's rise. Central leaders, especially those belonging to Bihar, had been placing obstacle after obstacle in the smooth functioning of the state government under Rabri Devi. Nationally, there was a sense that the oppressed classes as well as the minorities were getting a raw deal. Besides, the BJP had become overconfident, and that had led to arrogance among many of its leaders. It was this mix of overconfidence and arrogance which led the BJP to launch the 'India Shining' campaign. The party was under the illusion that its victory in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls was a mere formality, and that Vajpayee was certain to return to power. I was to . . .