Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Book 'Broken Promises' Reflects on Bihar's Enduring Political and Social Challenges
Imagine a state that used to have big problems, like when important people sometimes did bad things and people were treated unfairly because of their families.
A book called 'Broken Promises' talks about a time when things were like that, especially from 1990 to 2005.
It tells stories about politicians who promised to help everyone but ended up making things worse, and how fighting over who is from which family caused a lot of trouble.
Even though the state has built new roads and schools, and people are trying to get better jobs, the old ways of thinking about family and fairness still linger.
It's like the state is sometimes stuck, and people find it hard to let go of the past, even when things are improving.
The book suggests that the real problem is not just that the state hasn't changed enough, but that people sometimes find it easier to stick to the old ways than to fully embrace new possibilities.
This makes it hard for the state to truly move forward.
Mrityunjay Sharma's book 'Broken Promises' examines Bihar's political landscape from 1990 to 2005.
The book details how the aspiration for change, exemplified by Lalu Prasad Yadav's rise, devolved into caste-based violence and corruption.
Incidents like the murder of IAS officer G Krishnaiah highlight the severe law and order issues of the past.
Despite recent developments in infrastructure and education, the underlying mindset fueling caste, poverty, and political dependence remains a significant hurdle.
The author argues that Bihar's true challenge lies not just in its lack of change, but in its people's psychological resistance to accepting the present reality and moving beyond old divisions.
- Who
- Mrityunjay Sharma, author of 'Broken Promises', and the people of Bihar
- What
- A reflection on Bihar's political history, highlighting the persistence of caste-based politics and systemic failures despite perceived changes.
- When
- Primarily explores the period from 1990 to 2005, with reflections on contemporary Bihar.
- Where
- Bihar, India
- Why
- To examine how historical political dynamics, particularly caste and corruption, continue to shape Bihar's present and future, leading to a cycle of broken promises.
Historical Narrative of Bihar
Contemporary Perspective on Bihar
Law and Order
Historical Narrative of Bihar
Characterized by widespread lawlessness, political clout backing criminals, and violent acts like the murder of IAS officer G Krishnaiah.
Contemporary Perspective on Bihar
While acknowledging past issues, the present sees a quieter ambition and improved infrastructure, though systemic failures persist.
Political Culture
Historical Narrative of Bihar
Dominated by caste-based politics, corruption, and politicians fighting against socioeconomic biases but fueling division and scams.
Contemporary Perspective on Bihar
Caste lines are still present but more politely layered beneath development slogans; a persistent habit of 'Bakaiti' (all talk, no action) remains.
Acceptance of Change
Historical Narrative of Bihar
The past narrative suggests a continued reliance on old divisions and a justification for the state's struggles.
Contemporary Perspective on Bihar
The core issue is a psychological refusal to trust change, with people rebuilding old confines and repeating political scripts, making survival, not transformation, the realistic goal.
- Book Focus
- Bihar's political journey from 1990 to 2005
- Author
- Mrityunjay Sharma
- Key Incidents Mentioned
- Murder of IAS officer G Krishnaiah, alleged corruption in CM's office
- Themes Explored
- Caste-based politics, corruption, lawlessness, systemic failures, political dependence
- Book's Central Argument
- Despite surface-level changes, Bihar's core issues of caste and political division persist due to a refusal to accept change.