As Bihar goes to the polls on Thursday, Bhojpuri singer and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari croons a song that celebrates Bihari pride. He sings, "Maati ko sona karne wali kalakaari hain ji, haan hum Bihari hain ji." It can be translated into English: "We have the artistry to turn sand into gold, yes, we are Biharis." Whether Biharis can turn sand into gold may be a question, but the BJP certainly aims to strike gold.

Manoj Tiwari Bihar song

Bhojpuri IT cell, a YouTube channel run by Singapore-based engineer and producer Shailendra Singh, released the song two weeks before the polls. Through this song, the BJP MP tries to turn the somewhat self-consciousness and discomfort often seen in the idea of being a Bihari into a celebration and a matter of pride. He also invokes celebrated writer Phanishwar

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