Bihar Elections: The Harsh Reality

Summary

The Bihar elections are a unique political experiment, shaped by caste, migration, and gender dynamics. Caste still plays a major role, with OBCs and EBCs forming the backbone of political strategies. Criminalization in politics is prevalent, and migration impacts voter behavior, with many voting based on welfare schemes. Female voter turnout has surged, with women becoming a critical constituency. Digital campaigning, micro-targeting, and local influencers are transforming how politics is shaped. Bihar’s elections continue to evolve, with caste-based mobilization and Dalit-Bahujan politics driving bottom-up change.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bihar elections are not just political events; they are a socio-political laboratory of India, shaped by complex factors such as caste, criminalization, migration, and gender.
• 😀 The Bihar caste census of 2023 reveals the dominance of OBCs and EBCs, who together make up 63% of the population, while SCs and STs form significant but smaller portions.
• 😀 Castes and subcastes play a crucial role in shaping political strategies in Bihar, with political alliances and booth strategies deeply influenced by caste arithmetic.
• 😀 One-third of the candidates contesting in Bihar elections have criminal cases against them, highlighting the criminalization of politics in the state.
• 😀 Migration has a significant impact on voting behavior in Bihar, as over 50% of households have a migrant member, and their families vote based on welfare benefits and support systems.
• 😀 Women voters in Bihar are a growing political constituency, with female voter turnout reaching 71.6%, far higher than male turnout in the 2025 elections.
• 😀 Key issues for women voters include welfare schemes, subsidies (like gas cylinders), pensions, and educational scholarships.
• 😀 Digital and micro-targeting strategies were heavily employed in the 2025 elections, with WhatsApp groups, community reels, and hyper-local campaigns playing a major role.
• 😀 Political mobilization in Bihar has become multifaceted, with a mix of caste census, unemployment issues, and welfare guarantees driving voter engagement at multiple levels.
• 😀 The concept of Arohi mobilization, as explained by Professor Vive Kumar, describes how Dalit and Bahujan politics in Bihar grows from the grassroots, fueled by identity, dignity, and collective action.

Q & A

What makes Bihar elections unique compared to other elections in India?

Bihar elections are often referred to as a 'sociopolitical laboratory' because they reflect a complex mix of caste dynamics, criminalization of politics, migration patterns, and the significant role of women voters. These factors make Bihar elections a unique blend of welfare, muscle, and mobilization.

How does caste influence the political landscape in Bihar?

Caste plays a crucial role in Bihar politics. The state's caste census of 2023 reveals that OBCs and EBCs constitute 63% of the population, with SCs at 19.7% and STs at 1.7%. This demographic breakdown heavily influences political alliances, candidate selection, and election strategies, shaping every booth's strategy.

What does Rajni Kotari's quote 'Politics is not castridden, it is cast that has become politicized' mean in the context of Bihar elections?

Rajni Kotari's quote highlights how caste has evolved from being a social construct to a politically mobilizing force in India. In Bihar, caste politics shapes electoral strategies, with parties appealing to specific caste groups for support, making caste a central element of political identity.

What is the extent of criminalization in Bihar's politics?

Criminalization of politics is significant in Bihar, with about one-third of the candidates contesting in elections having criminal cases against them. This reflects the deep intertwining of political power and criminal influence in the state.

How does migration impact voting behavior in Bihar?

Bihar has the highest out-migration rate in India, with more than 50% of households having a migrant member. This affects voting behavior, as families left behind often vote based on welfare benefits like cash transfers, ration schemes, and other support systems provided by the state.

What is the significance of women voters in Bihar elections?

Women voters have become a key constituency in Bihar, with female turnout hitting 71.6% in the 2025 elections, significantly higher than male turnout. Issues like welfare schemes, subsidized cylinders, pensions, and scholarships have become central to women's political engagement.

How has digital and micro-targeting influenced the 2025 Bihar elections?

Digital strategies and micro-targeting played a significant role in the 2025 elections. Campaigns were not limited to traditional methods like rallies but extended to WhatsApp groups, reels, and micro-influencers. Hyper-local campaigns shaped political narratives from village to village.

What is 'Arohi mobilization' in the context of Bihar politics?

'Arohi mobilization' refers to the bottom-up political movement driven by Dalit and Bahujan communities in Bihar. It emphasizes identity, dignity, and collective action, allowing these groups to rise from the grassroots level to assert their political presence.

How does the circulation of elites affect Bihar's political dynamics?

The circulation of elites, from upper-class dominance to the rise of OBCs and Dalit assertion, has transformed Bihar's political landscape. This dynamic reflects the shifting balance of power among different social groups and the changing role of caste in electoral politics.

What is the overarching question that Bihar elections aim to answer, and how does it change over time?

The central question of Bihar elections is 'Vikas Kisjka?' (Whose development?). The answer to this question changes over time based on the prevailing social realities, making each election a new political experiment that reflects the evolving needs and aspirations of Bihar's diverse population.