Patna: As Bihar heads into its assembly elections, caste arithmetic continues to dominate party strategies, shaping candidate lists and alliances. While the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan trade barbs over development and employment, their candidate selections reveal a sharp focus on caste balance.
Data from the 2023 caste survey has influenced political calculations. Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) form 36 percent of Bihar’s population, while Other Backward Classes (OBCs) make up 27 percent. Yet, party tickets show a tilt toward traditional vote banks instead of proportional representation.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), contesting 101 seats, has nominated nearly half of its candidates from upper-caste groups, followed by 33 percent from OBCs and 12 percent from Scheduled Castes. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) has prioritized non-Yadav OBCs and EBCs, fielding 37 OBC, 22 EBC, and 15 Scheduled Caste candidates.
In contrast, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) remains anchored to its Yadav-Muslim support base, nominating 51 Yadavs and 18 Muslims. The Congress has given 21 tickets to upper-caste candidates and 10 to Muslims. Muslim representation has dropped notably in the NDA, with JD(U) fielding only four Muslim candidates this time compared to 14 in the previous election.
Observers say the shrinking Muslim presence reflects shifting political alliances and the NDA’s changing priorities. The Election Commission has scheduled polling for November 6 and 11, with counting on November 14.
