PATNA: The political temperature in poll-bound Bihar has soared following the Narendra Modi government’s announcement that caste enumeration will be part of the upcoming National Census. The move has triggered a fierce credit war among political parties, each scrambling to claim ownership of the long-standing demand.
In a surprise move widely seen as a political masterstroke, the BJP caught its rivals off guard by endorsing a caste-based survey. Opposition parties, particularly the RJD and Congress, have been left with little choice but to acknowledge the development while reiterating that they had long championed the cause.
Back in August 2021, an all-party delegation led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met with Prime Minister Modi to advocate for a caste-based census. When the Centre expressed its inability to undertake the task, the Bihar government proceeded with its own survey using state resources. A year later, in August 2022, Nitish Kumar realigned with the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, adding another layer of intrigue to Bihar’s political dynamics.
Focus on OBC politics
With assembly elections looming, the state is now bracing for an intensified focus on OBC politics.
Taking a jab at the opposition, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary said that Prime Minister Modi had fulfilled the dreams of Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Lalu Prasad Yadav by announcing the caste census.
Reacting strongly, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav asserted that the announcement was a vindication of Lalu Prasad’s ideology and persistent advocacy. “Remember when Lalu Prasad first raised the demand for a caste census. Now, when they have no alternative, they’ve been forced to announce it,” he said.
Tejashwi further questioned the timing and implementation: “When will the caste census actually be conducted? The national census hasn’t happened yet. Delimitation is pending. Clearly, both the caste census and the national census must take place before delimitation.”
In a symbolic celebration, a poster praising Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav was displayed outside the RJD’s state headquarters in Patna. The poster credited the father-son duo for their consistent demand and hailed the announcement as a political victory.
However, not everyone is enthused. Pushpendra Kumar Singh, a former professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, said the announcement has not stirred much excitement in Bihar. “There’s been no follow-up after the state’s caste-based survey. This reflects the government’s lack of commitment. The survey was done under pressure from the RJD,” he claimed.
‘Under pressure’
Singh added that with the assembly elections approaching, the actual implementation of the caste census seems unlikely, further dampening public enthusiasm.
He also noted that the BJP might gain ground among non-Yadav OBC and EBC voters, particularly as vote transfers from JD(U) to BJP have not always been seamless. Given the BJP’s earlier reluctance on the issue, the party may now attempt to woo these groups by positioning itself as a champion of their interests.
“Both BJP and RJD”, he observed, “could erode JD(U)’s traditional support base”.
Political analyst Indrajit Singh argued that the Centre’s move appears aimed at neutralising the opposition, which has used the caste census issue to energise its electoral campaigns. “Prime Minister Modi is known for strategic surprises, and this announcement fits that pattern,” he said.
He also emphasised that the caste enumeration will not be conducted as a standalone exercise but as part of the broader national census. “With this, the BJP becomes the first party to officially claim credit for the inclusion of caste data,” he added.
‘PM Modi delivering results’
Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi told reporters in Gaya that while the opposition engaged in “rabble-rousing,” Prime Minister Modi focused on delivering results.
“Many parties have long demanded a caste census. The central government’s decision is both historic and commendable,” he said.
Manjhi highlighted disparities in government jobs and educational access, noting that the census will help ensure equitable representation and advance the cause of social justice.
Addressing concerns about electoral timing, Manjhi insisted the initiative wasn’t driven by political calculations. “Prime Minister Modi has taken this step not for electoral gain, but to strengthen the foundation of social justice,” he concluded.
