The BJP-led NDA government’s sudden decision to conduct a caste census alongside the upcoming national population census has set the stage for a dramatic shift in Bihar’s political dynamics, just months before the crucial state assembly elections.
Why the Caste Census Matters in Bihar
- Caste and voting patterns are deeply intertwined in Bihar, where OBCs and EBCs together make up more than 60% of the population.
- The last comprehensive caste census in India was held in 1931; recent policies have relied on outdated figures, leading to calls for updated data to ensure fair representation and social justice.
- Bihar’s own 2023 caste survey revealed a significant OBC and EBC population, intensifying demands for increased quotas and political representation.
Political Strategies and Reactions
- The BJP hopes to counter opposition claims of being “anti-backward” or “anti-quota” by embracing the caste census demand, which had been a central issue for Congress and RJD leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav.
- Opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, had used the demand for a caste census and increased OBC/Dalit representation to gain ground in previous elections.
- By making the announcement unexpectedly, the NDA aims to claim ownership of the issue and blunt the opposition’s campaign ahead of the Bihar polls.
- Leaders like UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya have called the decision “historic” and a step towards social justice.
Implications for Voters and Policymakers
- The census is expected to reveal updated figures for OBCs, which could lead to renewed demands for higher quotas in government jobs and welfare schemes.
- Parties will need to adapt their strategies, focusing less on demanding a census and more on how to use the data for policy and representation.
- Voters, especially from backward and marginalised communities, should monitor how parties translate census data into concrete benefits and social justice measures.
Actionable Takeaway: Bihar residents should pay close attention to part
