In the recent past, we have seen governments that genuinely work for the betterment of the people being voted back. Until some time back, with the exception of West Bengal, every state would invariably see the government in office being voted out. But then slowly we started seeing this trend changing.
Now, we see this happening in many states. The governments that pursued an agenda of development in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and now Bihar among others were all voted back to power.
In Bihar especially this holds so much significance. The state had become the worst state in the country with Lalu Prasad Yadav and his wife at the helm. Development was a joke. So, when finally, after decades of misrule, when Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Chief Minister, he had his task cut out. And deliver, he did.
From what I read, Bihar is now a changed state. You can see the difference on the ground. And the common man is not a fool. At least not any more. He now sees above caste and religion and votes for what is really good for him.
Congratulations Nitish Kumar!
... http://www.kamaldshah.com/2010/11/congratulations-nitish-kumar.html