Bihar Elections: Welfare Politics as Democratic Bargaining

In Bihar, political parties are offering things like electricity and cash to voters to win elections.

Some people think this is just giving away 'freebies' and a waste of money, but the article argues it is a part of democratic bargaining.

In other words, voters are now like customers making demands, and politicians try to meet them.

It is also an important aspect of democracy and social justice in a diverse and unequal society, as it helps include those who may have been left out.

Instead of seeing this as a negative thing, the author suggests it is a sign of a vibrant democracy where people are empowered to make demands and have their voices heard.