Caste-Based Survey in Bihar Sparks Controversy and Political Relevance for Nitish Kumar

Caste-Based Survey in Bihar Sparks Controversy and Political Relevance for Nitish Kumar

VoM News Desk | October 3, 2023 | 03:51 PM IST | Bihar, Politics | Follow on Google News

Caste-Based Survey in Bihar Sparks Controversy and Political Relevance for Nitish Kumar

Caste-Based Survey in Bihar Sparks Controversy and Political Relevance for Nitish Kumar

The recently conducted caste-based survey in Bihar, India, has stirred up a hornet’s nest, leading Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to convene an all-party meeting to address the implications. The survey results, which disclosed that Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) constitute 36% and 27.13% of the state’s population respectively, have ignited intense public debates. Despite an interim stay issued by the High Court in May, citing jurisdictional overstepping and breaches of public privacy, the state government pressed forward with the survey, allocating Rs 500 crore to the project and employing government teachers for data collection.

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Survey Findings and Political Significance

The Bihar caste survey has revealed that OBCs account for 27% of the state’s population, while EBCs comprise 36%, totaling a significant 63%. Hindus constitute more than 80% of the population, with Muslims representing just over 17%. These results have brought Chief Minister Nitish Kumar into the limelight, especially amid recent rumors of strained relations within the INDIA bloc. The findings are expected to bolster Nitish’s image as a champion of the EBCs, who constitute the largest vote bank with approximately 36% of the population.

Political Ramifications and Edge for Nitish Kumar

Many analysts believe that the caste survey has given Nitish Kumar an advantage over other political parties, including the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Bihar caste census is likely to strengthen Nitish’s position within the INDIA bloc. Some INDIA bloc parties, such as the RJD and Congress, are already advocating for a nationwide caste census. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the opposition of attempting to divide the country along caste lines.

Meeting and Agenda

Nitish Kumar has called for an all-party meeting to deliberate on the survey’s findings. Additionally, his government will present the economic data of the surveyed families to representatives of nine political parties attending the meeting. The chief minister has emphasized that, following discussions with all parties, the focus will shift toward crafting policies targeting castes that may require more assistance.

Future Course of Action and Political Dynamics

While Nitish Kumar’s political relevance in the state is diminishing, he still commands a notable 5-7% of the votes independently. His political sway could significantly benefit any alliance he chooses to join. Nitish may seek credit for the caste survey, potentially boosting his political significance. However, these elections will not revolve solely around the caste survey; other pressing issues such as rising prices and unemployment will also play a pivotal role. The political landscape in Bihar is poised for a multifaceted battle in the upcoming elections.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.