In a significant development, Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, unveiled plans to present the comprehensive findings of the state’s caste survey to the legislative assembly during the upcoming winter session. This survey encompasses valuable data on education, socio-economic aspects, and more. The primary objective is to garner insights and opinions from lawmakers to shape the course of future actions, including potential extensions to reservation policies.
Kumar emphasized the importance of this move, asserting that it is vital to involve legislators in the decision-making process. He refrained from making any premature statements regarding the expansion of reservation policies, emphasizing the need to consider all perspectives within the assembly before making a decision.
The announcement follows a recent all-party meeting where the survey’s findings were discussed, and now, the government aims to make these findings available to all members of the legislative assembly for their input.
Bihar Chief Secretary, Amir Subhani, echoed the sentiment that a thorough review of the caste survey data is not currently warranted and that the government will disclose the figures at an appropriate time.
Despite criticism and opposition from various political leaders concerning the caste survey’s results, Nitish Kumar remains resolute in his belief that the survey was conducted accurately. He dismisses the allegations and maintains his focus on the larger political landscape, emphasizing that the people will ultimately decide the country’s direction in the 2024 elections.
Kumar also responded to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President Samrat Choudhary’s statement about former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, describing Choudhary as a “party hopper adept at making baseless statements.” He highlighted Choudhary’s changing political affiliations and reminded that Lalu Prasad Yadav is a significant figure in Bihar’s political history.
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi accused the government of overlooking a significant portion of the population in presenting hypothetical data. He advocated for a transparent presentation of the data and the restructuring of the cabinet to ensure representation for all castes.
This development arises from the Bihar government’s release of the initial caste survey data on October 2, seen as a strategic move by non-BJP parties to counter the BJP in the 2024 General Elections. Many non-BJP ruled states are now expressing their support for the survey, which was initiated by the Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar, comprising the JD-U, RJD, and Congress. The survey was undertaken based on a previous NDA government’s cabinet decision in 2022 after the Centre declined to conduct a headcount of social groups beyond SCs, STs, and religious minorities as part of the census.
The first round of the caste survey took place between January 7 and 21, with a second round that was halted temporarily due to a high court order. Following the court’s decision, the survey resumed on August 1, attracting increased support from non-BJP states.
