BJP Candidate IPS Anand Mishra: When Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released the second list of candidates for Bihar Assembly Elections, one name surprised everyone and it started being discussed everywhere, that name is former IPS officer Anand Mishra. BJP has played a big gamble by fielding Anand Mishra, who has created the image of ‘Super Cop’ in many states during his tenure, from the important Buxar seat of Bihar. But who is this officer, who has left the uniform and directly entered the political arena?
Their story is no less than Singham.
The story of Anand Mishra is no less than that of a film hero. He is originally from Bihar, but has been recognized as a strict and honest police officer in many states of the country, especially in Assam and parts of the North-East. Anand Mishra is known for his bold action and people-centric policing. During his posting in Assam, he conducted several major operations against illegal activities and organized crime, which gained him immense popularity among the public. His working style was so aggressive and effective that criminals feared his name. Even on social media, his popularity is no less than that of any celebrity. Anand Mishra, who hails from Buxar, Bihar, taking voluntary retirement (VRS) from IPS and then immediately joining politics, shows his big political intentions. He believes that he now wants to serve his home state through a bigger role.
Why did BJP express confidence?
BJP has worked as per a well thought out strategy by giving ticket to Anand Mishra on Buxar seat. Buxar has been identified as an administrative and cultural centre. Anand Mishra’s impeccable integrity, his effective administrative efficiency and local connect are three big plus points for the BJP. The party hopes that his ‘super cop’ image will attract youth and neutral voters, which will enable them to rise above traditional caste equations and register victory. Anand Mishra’s entry into the electoral fray will make the contest on Buxar seat very interesting. They will face direct competition from the traditional leaders who have been occupying this area for a long time. This decision of BJP shows that it is emphasizing on presenting strong and credible new faces to deal with the anti-incumbency wave in Bihar and the challenge of established faces. This step of the former IPS officer can strengthen the issue of ‘development and good governance’ in the politics of Bihar. Now it remains to be seen how successful this ‘Singham’ outside the uniform will be in the election field. The battle of Buxar has now become not just a battle between two parties, but between an administrative leader and the established political tradition.
