THE Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies’ victory in the Bihar Assembly elections has once again bolstered Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political confidence.

Achieved amidst record unemployment, escalating rural protests and internal fissures within his own party, the triumph is less a testament to governance than to Modi’s mastery of political theatrics. As domestic challenges mount, the Prime Minister has reverted to a familiar strategy: projecting external threats, particularly Pakistan, to divert attention and consolidate public support. The old narrative of India besieged by an adversary across the border has been revived with renewed intensity.

India’s economic indicators tell a story of strain. Rising food inflation, stagnant rural incomes and a near-record unemployment rate among youth have left many citizens disillusioned with Modi’s promises of transformation. Yet, in times of domestic vulnerability, Modi consistently turns outward. Pakistan becomes the convenient scapegoat—a focus for nationalist rhetoric and a distraction from growing domestic discontent. The timing is never coincidental. Immediately after the Bihar results, Indian media outlets—especially those aligned with Hindutva politics—erupted in triumphal commentary, framing the victory as a mandate for a tougher stance against Pakistan. Simultaneously, India conducted sudden military drills, increased troop deployments........

© Pakistan Observer