New Delhi- The Janata Dal (United), or JD(U), is witnessing a groundswell of support from its leaders and party members who are fervently urging the party’s chief and Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, to declare his candidacy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP). This clamor stems from a strategic move to broaden the JD(U)’s presence in the political landscape.
The impetus behind this call for action lies in the recent decision by the Bihar state government to unveil the findings of a comprehensive caste census. This development is perceived as a potential disruptor of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) influence over the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), a group that holds substantial electoral significance in the region. Nitish Kumar, as the architect of this survey, is seen as a key figure who could capitalize on this shift in dynamics, potentially benefiting the JD(U).
The released caste census in Bihar reveals that OBCs and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) account for a substantial 63% of the state’s population. This disclosure is being seen as a catalyst for the resurgence of Mandal politics in India.
Opposition parties view this development as an opportunity to connect with voters by advocating for increased reservations for underprivileged sections in government jobs and educational institutions, while also seizing the opportunity to challenge the BJP, which has raised doubts about the survey’s legitimacy.
KC Tyagi, a senior JD(U) leader and spokesperson, confirmed that there has been a call from party workers for Nitish Kumar to choose a constituency in Uttar Pradesh. However, the decision to contest from UP will ultimately rest with Nitish Kumar and Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party (SP).
Furthermore, the JD(U) envisions Nitish Kumar as the face of the opposition bloc, INDIA, and aims to underscore his role in advocating for the caste census, which stands in contrast to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance that the opposition is attempting to divide the population along caste lines.
With the prospect of Nitish Kumar contesting from UP, there are expectations that the JD(U) could make significant inroads among the OBC population in various states. The influence of a Kurmi leader leading the opposition is anticipated to resonate with communities such as the Patidars in Madhya Pradesh, the Kurmis in Gujarat (known as Patels), and the Kunbis in Maharashtra.
In addition, intermediary castes like Gujjars are also likely to align with the opposition due to shared caste affinities. Notably, constituencies in central and eastern UP have sizeable Kurmi populations, making them fertile ground for the JD(U) to cultivate support.
While some BJP leaders downplay the impact of the caste census, citing the party’s success in attracting non-dominant OBC castes, they acknowledge the gradual process of strengthening ties with the OBC communities. Nevertheless, the JD(U) remains resolute in its pursuit of leveraging the caste census to propel Nitish Kumar into a prominent role in the opposition’s challenge to the BJP’s dominance in the Hindi heartland state, a stronghold the BJP has held since 2014.
As discussions continue within the JD(U) and its cadre voices grow louder, the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh may witness significant developments in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
