Why Do People Say “In Bihar, Voters Don’t Cast Their Vote, They Vote Their Caste”?
Have you ever heard the saying, “In Bihar, people don’t cast their vote, they vote their caste”? This old saying tells a big truth about Bihar politics. When election time comes in Bihar, something interesting happens. People don’t just think about roads, schools, or jobs. They think about their caste too.
Right now, Bihar is getting ready for its big Assembly election in just 5-6 months. And guess what? Caste is again becoming the hot topic. Just a few days ago, on April 30, 2025, Prime Minister Modi made a big announcement – India will count castes in the next census! This news has shaken up Bihar’s politics completely.
Why is this so important? Because for years, opposition parties like RJD and Congress have been asking for a caste census. They thought this demand would help them win votes from backward castes. But now, Modi has taken away their special issue! As Dr. R.K. Verma, a famous Bihar political expert says, this decision has “dampened the poll plank of the Opposition” and prevented “polarisation of OBCs and other marginalised communities towards Mahagathbandhan.”
In this blog, we will look at how caste has shaped Bihar elections in the past, and how the new caste census might change everything for the 2025 election. Will BJP’s surprise move help NDA win? Or will RJD and Congress find new ways to attract voters? Let’s find out!
What Is Caste Politics in Bihar and Why Does It Matter?
Caste politics in Bihar means that people often vote based on their caste identity rather than just party programs or leader qualities. It’s like a special bond between voters and leaders of the same caste. This has been happening in Bihar for many decades.
How Caste Politics Evolved in Bihar
Before 1967, upper castes (like Brahmins, Bhumihars, and Rajputs) controlled Bihar politics. But after 1967, things started to change. The backward castes and Dalits began to demand their share in power. This became even stronger in the 1990s when Lalu Prasad Yadav rose to power using “Mandal politics” – which focused on giving more rights to backward castes.
Why This Matters to You
Because caste politics decides who gets power in Bihar. And those who get power decide about jobs, schools, roads, and money for development. Whether you’re a student, a farmer, a shopkeeper, or a teacher – the government’s decisions affect your daily life. So understanding caste politics helps you understand why certain leaders win and what they might do after winning.
What Are the Benefits of Understanding Caste Politics in Bihar?
- Better Voting Decisions: When you understand caste politics, you can see beyond just caste appeals and vote for real development.
- Predicting Election Results: Knowing caste equations helps you guess who might win, which is interesting for everyone who follows politics.
- Understanding Government Policies: Many policies in Bihar are made keeping certain castes in mind. Knowing this helps you understand why some decisions are taken.
- Social Awareness: Learning about caste politics makes you more aware of social divisions and how they affect democracy.
How Has Caste Influenced Bihar Elections in the Past?
How Did Upper Castes Dominate Bihar Politics Until 1967?
From the first election in 1951 until 1967, upper castes had a strong hold on Bihar politics. They were only about 15% of Bihar’s population but controlled most of the power. Brahmins, Bhumihars, and Rajputs were the main upper castes who led political parties and became ministers.
What Changed After 1967 in Bihar’s Caste Politics?
After 1967, backward castes started to demand their share. Leaders like Karpoori Thakur began to speak for OBCs (Other Backward Classes). This movement grew stronger in the 1980s and 1990s. The big change came when Lalu Prasad Yadav became Chief Minister in 1990, giving voice to Yadavs and other backward castes.
How Did “Mandal vs Kamandal” Shape Bihar’s Political Landscape?
In 1990, Prime Minister V.P. Singh implemented the Mandal Commission report, giving 27% reservation to OBCs in government jobs. This was supported by leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav. In response, BJP leader L.K. Advani started the Ram Rath Yatra, focusing on Hindu unity instead of caste divisions. This created the famous “Mandal vs Kamandal” divide in Bihar politics – social justice versus religious identity.
Which Castes Support Which Parties in Bihar?
How Do Upper Castes Vote in Bihar Elections?
Upper castes in Bihar have mostly supported BJP and its allies. According to CSDS surveys, in the 2000 Assembly election, BJP got 31% of upper caste votes. This increased to 32% in 2005. When JD(U) was BJP’s ally, it also got good upper caste support – 33% in October 2005. During the 2014 Lok Sabha “Modi wave,” BJP secured a massive 63% of upper caste votes.
Which Parties Do OBCs and EBCs Support in Bihar?
OBCs (Other Backward Classes) are divided in their support. Yadavs, the largest OBC group, mostly support RJD. But non-Yadav OBCs and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) have often supported JD(U) under Nitish Kumar. This is why Nitish Kumar has been called the “champion of EBCs” in Bihar.
How Do Dalits and Muslims Vote in Bihar?
Dalits in Bihar have traditionally supported parties like LJP (now LJP-Ram Vilas) and JD(U). Some Dalit sub-castes also support RJD. Muslims, who make up about 17% of Bihar’s population, have mostly supported RJD and Congress, seeing them as secular alternatives to the BJP.
How Is the Caste Census Changing Bihar Politics for 2025?
Why Did Modi Announce a Caste Census Now?
Prime Minister Modi’s sudden announcement to include caste in the national census has surprised everyone. The timing is very strategic – just 5-6 months before the Bihar Assembly election. This move has taken away a major campaign issue from the opposition, especially RJD and Congress, who had been demanding a caste census for years.
How Has the Caste Census Affected Opposition Strategy?
The opposition, particularly the Mahagathbandhan (RJD and Congress), is now confused about how to respond. They had planned to attack BJP for opposing a caste census. But now that Modi has agreed to it, they need a new strategy. As one political expert said, this decision has “put an end to the Opposition narrative.”
Will JD(U) Benefit from the Caste Census Announcement?
JD(U), led by Nitish Kumar, had already conducted a state-level caste survey in Bihar in 2023. They had been champions of the caste census cause. Now, with Modi also supporting it, JD(U) can claim that their alliance with BJP has helped achieve this goal. This might strengthen the NDA alliance in Bihar for the 2025 election.
Can BJP Win Backward Caste Votes in Bihar 2025?
How Is BJP Trying to Attract OBC Voters?
BJP has traditionally been seen as an upper caste party. But now, they are working hard to win OBC votes too. According to BJP spokesperson Vineeta Hariharan, instead of just focusing on caste-based politics, BJP has “implemented various initiatives for the welfare of backward communities through education, skill development, entrepreneurship and infrastructure development.”
Will BJP’s Hindutva Appeal Override Caste Divisions?
BJP’s Hindutva appeal has sometimes helped it overcome caste divisions by uniting voters under a religious identity. But the caste survey has revived identity-based mobilization, which could challenge BJP’s broad-based Hindutva politics. The 2025 election will show if religion can still override caste in Bihar.
Can BJP Balance Upper Caste and OBC Support?
This is BJP’s big challenge – keeping their traditional upper caste voters happy while also attracting OBCs. The caste census announcement is part of this balancing act. But they must be careful not to alienate their core upper caste support base while reaching out to backward communities.
How Can Voters Look Beyond Caste in Bihar Elections?
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Look at the candidate’s work record, not just their caste.
- Check what development work the party has done in your area.
- Read party manifestos to understand their real plans.
- Attend local meetings and ask questions about specific issues.
- Talk to people from different castes about their experiences with various parties.
Best Practices:
- Focus on issues like education, jobs, and healthcare when deciding your vote.
- Compare parties based on their performance, not just their caste appeal.
- Listen to debates that discuss real issues, not just caste arithmetic.
Common Pitfalls:
- Don’t vote only based on caste loyalty.
- Don’t believe everything leaders say about helping your caste.
- Don’t ignore a good candidate just because they belong to a different caste.
What Challenges Does Caste-Based Politics Create in Bihar?
Challenge 1: Development Takes a Backseat
When caste becomes the main focus, real development issues like roads, schools, and jobs get less attention.
Solution: Voters should demand specific development plans from all candidates, regardless of caste.
Challenge 2: Qualified Leaders May Be Overlooked
Good leaders might lose just because they belong to a numerically smaller caste.
Solution: Political parties should balance caste considerations with leadership qualities when selecting candidates.
Challenge 3: Social Divisions Deepen
Caste-based politics can increase divisions between different communities.
Solution: Leaders should promote inclusive development that benefits all castes, not just their support base.
What Are the Future Trends for Caste Politics in Bihar?
Will the Caste Census Change Voting Patterns?
The national caste census announced by Modi could change how people vote. Once people know the exact numbers of each caste, smaller castes might demand more representation. Parties might have to adjust their ticket distribution based on these new numbers.
Are Young Voters Moving Beyond Caste?
Some studies suggest that young voters in Bihar are starting to think beyond caste. They care more about jobs, education, and development. But caste still remains a strong factor, especially in rural areas. The 2025 election will show if this trend is growing or not.
Will Development Politics Eventually Replace Caste Politics?
Many experts believe that as Bihar develops, caste politics will slowly weaken. People will vote more for good governance than caste identity. But this change is slow. As BJP spokesperson Vineeta Hariharan said, her party believes “elections should focus on governance, development and national progress rather than caste equations.” But will voters agree? Only time will tell.
Conclusion: How Will Caste Shape Bihar’s 2025 Election Results?
Caste has been the backbone of Bihar politics for decades. From upper caste dominance before 1967 to the rise of OBC politics under Lalu Prasad Yadav, and now the complex caste calculations of the NDA and Mahagathbandhan – caste continues to matter.
The 2025 Bihar Assembly election, just months away, will be another test of caste politics. But with Modi’s surprise announcement of a national caste census, the game has changed. The opposition has lost a key campaign issue. NDA, especially JD(U), might benefit from this move.
Will this election be different? Will voters look beyond caste? Or will the old saying still hold true – “In Bihar, people don’t cast their vote, they vote their caste”?
As a voter or observer of Bihar politics, you have a role to play. You can choose to look beyond caste and demand real development. You can ask tough questions to leaders who only talk about caste. You can be the change that Bihar needs.
The future of Bihar depends not just on who wins the 2025 election, but on whether the winner can move beyond caste politics to deliver real progress for all Biharis.
FAQs
Will the caste census help NDA win the 2025 Bihar election?
Modi’s caste census announcement has certainly given NDA an advantage by taking away a key opposition demand. But elections are complex, and many other factors will also matter.
Which party has the strongest caste support base in Bihar?
RJD has strong support among Yadavs and Muslims, JD(U) among EBCs, and BJP among upper castes. The winner is often the one who can expand beyond their core caste base.
Is caste the only factor in Bihar elections?
No, while caste is important, other factors like leadership, development work, alliances, and national issues also influence voters.
How has the caste equation changed in Bihar over the years?
Bihar has moved from upper caste dominance (pre-1967) to OBC assertion under Lalu Yadav, to a more complex balance under Nitish Kumar, where EBCs and Mahadalits also have a voice.
Here are the source articles with URLs that we used:
- Bihar to be first state to test political impact of Centre’s caste census
- Elections 2025: Who Will Backward Communities Back in Bihar?
- How Caste Continues To Influence Electoral Politics In Bihar
- Bihar to be first lab to assess political impact of Centre’s caste census
- A History of Caste Politics and Elections in Bihar
- Understanding the politics of Bihar: through the prism of caste, class
- Caste Politics in Bihar with Special Reference to OBC Politics (PDF)
- Caste, Crime and Alliances: History of the Bihar Elections from 1990–2020
