In Bihar, caste has long been central to politics, with many communities acting as individual voting blocks led by their own leaders. The Kushwahas, Mallahs, Manjhis, and Yadavs are prominent examples. However, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stands apart. Over two decades, he has built a multi-caste coalition that extends far beyond his own Kurmi community, which comprises less than 3% of Bihar's population. While other leaders like Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) appeal primarily to Yadavs, Chirag Paswan (LJP-RV) to Dusadhs, and BJP's Giriraj Singh and Samrat Choudhary to Bhumihars and Kushwahas respectively, Nitish's support cuts across various Extremely Backward Classes and Dalit groups. His initiatives, including 20% EBC reservation in local bodies in 2006, entrepreneurship schemes, and the 2023 Bihar caste survey showing EBCs at 36% of the population, have solidified loyalty among these communities, particularly in regions like Seemanchal.
Nitish's Enduring Coalition Beyond His Own Caste
During campaign stops in villages like Gangti in Barhbigha constituency, voters from Dhanuk, Paswan, and Manjhi communities expressed unwavering support for Nitish. Jamadar Kumar, an EBC Dhanuk, credited the Chief Minister for providing roads, electricity, and security. In Katihar district, Shrikant Mandal, from the EBC Mandal group, declared loyalty to Nitish regardless of local candidates. This broad-based support stems from Nitish's targeted policies: 2006 EBC reservations in local governance, Rs 10 lakh entrepreneurship assistance from 2010, and the 2023 caste survey. While some Kahars in Jamui showed signs of fatigue, particularly after police action against job aspirants in Patna, the CM's coalition largely remains intact even as he campaigns in what many believe is his final election.
Source: Link