Congress leader Rahul Gandhi continues to advocate for a nationwide caste census as "an X-ray of society".Last year, when the caste-based survey in Bihar revealed the Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) as the largest social bloc in the state, constituting 36.1% of the population, both the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan pounced on the findings.
The then Mahagathbandhan government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, swiftly responded by announcing an increase in quota for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and EBCs, from 50% to 65%.
However, with JDU chief Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA in January this year, the focus on the caste survey and the demand for a nationwide caste census, which had emerged as the principal electoral plank for the Opposition, has receded. Instead, discussions among voters revolve around candidate profiles, welfare initiatives, India’s international image, unemployment, and inflation.
Nitish Kumar, who championed the caste survey and spearheaded a campaign around it for the past three years, has omitted any mention of it. Instead, he has reverted to his familiar narrative of “misrule versus good governance”.
The BJP in Bihar says that Narendra Modi is the only factor in this election and Modi alone represents the collective aspirations of all social groups.
While Congress leader Rahul Gandhi continues to advocate for a nationwide caste census as “an X-ray of society”, his Bihar ally and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has focused on highlighting his party’s track record in job creation during its previous tenure, aligning with the Mahagathbandhan’s belief that migration and employment are the foremost concerns.
Conversations across Bihar underscore caste’s enduring relevance as an influential determinant of voter preferences. However, there is a notable lack of enthusiasm among voters for the caste census demand. Instead, caste dynamics are unfolding locally, with pro-RJD Yadavs and pro-BJP upper castes displaying unwavering allegiance to their respective alliances.
Regarding EBCs, commonly referred to as Pachpanias in Bihar, they appear to be leaning towards PM Modi’s camp, expressing support for the government’s welfare schemes.