Not Candidates, But Casts Matter In These Bihar Assembly Seats
However, Bihar's political equations are not that simple. In this state, caste continues to dominate the political narrative. Over the years, many political parties have fielded candidates primarily based on caste backgrounds. Among the total 243 Assembly seats, several constituencies are known for consistently electing candidates from specific castes, whether General, OBC, SC, or ST.
Yadav Influence In Bihar Politics
The Yadav community, constituting around 14 per cent of the state's population, has been a powerful political bloc, especially supportive of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Both in Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, Yadav candidates who mostly belong to RJD have secured victories in numerous constituencies over the past few polls.
The Maner Assembly Constituency has consistently elected Yadav candidates. Since 2010, RJD's Bhai Virendra Yadav has been the sitting MLA. On the other hand, the Paliganj Assembly Seat was won by RJD's Jai Vardhan Yadav in 2015. In 2020, Sandeep Yadav of CPI (ML) secured the seat, reflecting ongoing Yadav influence.
The Mahua assembly seat has also remained a Yadav-dominated seat, notably bagged by Tej Pratap Yadav in 2015. The Raghopur seat, once held by Lalu and Rabri Devi, was won by JD(U)'s Satish Kumar Yadav in 2010. However, Tejashwi Yadav reclaimed the seat in 2015, reinforcing the family's stronghold.
Raghopur and Mahua are politically symbolic for the RJD due to their association with Lalu Prasad Yadav's family.
Paswan Community Influence
The Paswan community, a dominant Scheduled Caste group, has strongholds in several SC-reserved constituencies. Rajnagar Assembly Seat (Madhubani) has consistently elected Ram Prit Paswan of the BJP, showcasing the community's influence and the party's strong presence.
Rajput Community Strongholds
The Rajput community remains a dominant upper-caste group, especially in western and central Bihar. From 1990 to 2005, Ramdhani Singh, a Rajput leader, held the seat. However, again in 2010 and 2015, JD(U)'s Jai Kumar Singh, also a Rajput, was elected from the seat.
Kayastha Community's Urban Influence
The Kayastha community is numerically smaller, but it remains politically significant because of its urban influence. They don't dominate any seat demographically, but often play a kingmaker role. Key constituencies where Kayastha influence is notable include Kumhrar and Bankipur in Patna.
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