The state government released the results of the controversial Bihar caste survey on October 2, despite the heavy reluctance by the opposition parties.
The Bihar government on Monday, October 2, decided to release the complete data of the controversial caste survey in the state, which has been vehemently opposed by all opposition parties in the state. However, the data released by the government can have major political implications for CM Nitish Kumar.
The Bihar caste survey, which triggered a major controversy, revealed that OBCs and EBCs make up the majority of the state’s population, which is currently higher than 13 crore. The total percentage of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) is 63 percent in the state.
While the EBC is at a majority (36 percent) in the state, OBC is not far behind, with the second highest percentage in the state (27.13 percent). Mentioned below is the complete breakdown of the results of the Bihar caste survey, and its deep political implications.
Bihar caste survey data: What the results say
- Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) – 36 percent
- Other Backward Classes (OBC) – 27.13 percent
- Scheduled Castes (SC) – 19.65 percent
- Yadavs (part of OBC) – 14.27 percent
- Scheduled Tribes (ST) – 1.7 percent
- General category – 15.52 percent
The Bihar caste-based survey was initiated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his government, backed by Lalu Yadav’s RJD, with the aim of uplifting the backward classes and the better implementation of welfare and government schemes.
However, this survey could prove to be a turning point for the Nitish Kumar government. Many experts believe that the Bihar caste survey could trigger the debate of higher reservation and more seats in government agencies, a question which was dodged by the CM during media interactions.
Yadavs make up the largest subgroup of the OBCs, which is also the caste of the Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. The population of Brahmins stands at 3.66 percent, Musahars 3 percent, Kurmis 2.87 percent and Bhumihars 2.86 percent.
Coming just a few months ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the results of the Bihar caste survey could be beneficial for the ruling parties RJD and JD(U), parties that have prominent leaders from “lower” castes. The results of the survey could trigger vote bank politics, a point raised by the opposition, but can also lead Nitish Kumar’s party to yet another victory in the state.
READ | DNA TV Show: Bihar releases caste census data; here's what it revealed
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