The parties are ready for elections, song for song. After the JDU's ' Phir se Nitishe', the BJP has hit back with its campaign number 'Iss baar BJP, Ek baar BJP'.
BJP MP and Bhojpuri superstar Manoj Tiwari has lent his voice to the song, complete with folk music and instruments like naal and dholak.
The Nitish song, recently released by campaign manager Prashant Kishore, has a very urban flavour and was composed by Bollywood composer Sneha Khanwelkar.
In contrast, the BJP song has a very local flavour.
Sample its lyrics, as the BJP hits out at the JDU-led government and JDU-RJD alliance. " Loot, hatya, apharan ka danav sata raha (the monster of loot, murders and kidnapping is bothering the state), Bhrast jungle raaj ka aabhas hai dara raha (The thought of corrupt jungle raaj is sending a chill down the spine)."
"The five-minute song reveals the agenda of the party before and after elections, touches on back-stabbing by the JDU, return of "jungle raaj" and why Bihar needs Modi. We don't believe in self-glorification like our opponent. There are a few things we have highlighted through this song, like girl's education and safety, agriculture and communal amity," said a senior BJP leader.
The BJP song seems to be a parody on a song with Govinda in the video, ' Kadd ditti jaan', from the 1998 album The Greatest Dance Remix.
The JDU was quick to hit back. "I am astonished the BJP is talking about sushashan (good governance). All white-collared criminals are members of their ally, the LJP. Even if we are in alliance with the RJD, our party's rules and laws would not be compromised. They should come up with a realistic song and talk about how they have divided the nation and state in the name of religion, caste and creed," JDU spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said.
The lyrics of the JDU song, penned by Raj Shekar of Tanu Weds Manu fame and sung by Neeti Mohan and Ghunghroo, revolve around praise for Nitish.
"The lyrics are all about what Nitish has given to the state. It throws light on Bihar's transformation and development and Nitishji's contribution to it. I have used the word " Nitishe", which in colloquial language means 'only Nitish'," said Raj Shekhar.
Singer Ghunghroo is a native of Bihar who studied music at Banaras Hindu University in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. The song also touches on the land acquisition bill, which has affected state farmers the most.
Ringtones and caller tunes of the song are available on the website www.biharmebahar.com. Not only that, the party has come up with a unique idea to ensure greater participation. It has launched a contest under which Nitish fans can download the song, share and tag as many friends as they can till July 31. The one who tags the most friends is the lucky winner and will get up to Rs 51,000 in prize.
It is important for the BJP to make an impact with the song campaign as, so far, Nitish seems to be far ahead in the poster war. His life-sized photographs are dominating hoardings at vantage points in the city.
