How Caste Continues To Influence Electoral Politics In Bihar

Caste has been a significant factor in Bihar's electoral politics, with the 2009 delimitation playing a crucial role. This redrawing of constituency boundaries has led to a scenario where leaders from only six castes dominate 22 out of the state's 40 Lok Sabha seats.

Among these are two castes, the Rajputs and Bhumihars, which have a smaller population compared to other castes. Despite this, they have managed to secure a considerable number of seats.

Bihar is home to 214 castes, with a total population exceeding 13 crores. However, the political landscape has been such that certain castes have maintained a stronghold on specific constituencies for decades. For instance, Rajput candidates have consistently won in Aurangabad, while the Madhepura seat has remained with the Yadav community. This pattern underscores the influence of caste in determining electoral outcomes.

Despite their lower population percentages, some castes have outperformed others in terms of Lok Sabha representation. In 2019, seven Rajput MPs were elected, even though Rajputs make up only 3% of Bihar's population. Similarly, Bhumihars and Paswans, with populations of about 2.5% and 5% respectively, also saw significant representation. This discrepancy highlights how delimitation has favored certain communities over others.

The East Champaran seat is an example of how delimitation has influenced electoral politics. Since its creation in 2009, Radha Mohan Singh, a Rajput, has won this seat for the BJP four times. The Aurangabad and Madhepura seats have similarly been dominated by Rajput and Yadav candidates respectively, showcasing a pattern of caste-based voting.

In Vaishali, Saran, and Ara constituencies, Rajput candidates have been victorious for several terms. This trend extends to other castes as well; for example, the Nalanda seat has been under Kurmi control for years. Similarly, Koeri and Yadav communities have secured wins in Karakat and Pataliputra seats since their inception in 2009.

The Ujiarpur seat saw a Koeri candidate win initially, followed by a Yadav MP in subsequent elections. The Madhubani seat has alternated between Yadav and Muslim MPs, while the Samastipur seat has been won by Paswan candidates for over a decade. In Munger and Begusarai, Bhumihar candidates have been successful, indicating a pattern of caste-based dominance across various constituencies.

This overview of Bihar's electoral politics post-2009 delimitation reveals how caste continues to play a pivotal role in determining election outcomes. Despite the diverse population, a small number of castes have managed to maintain significant political influence through strategic constituency delineation.