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Key Points

Prashant Kishor challenges the notion that Bihar elections are solely dictated by caste dynamics. He points to PM Modi's electoral success despite lacking a caste base in the state. Kishor also analyzes Lalu Yadav's Muslim-Yadav vote bank as proof of factors beyond caste. The political strategist positions his Jan Suraaj party as a fresh alternative ahead of Bihar's upcoming polls.

Key Points: Prashant Kishor Says Caste Not Sole Factor in Bihar Polls

  • Kishor cites Modi's Bihar success despite no caste base
  • Highlights Muslim-Yadav voting beyond caste lines
  • Questions traditional caste-based electoral assumptions
  • Positions Jan Suraaj as alternative in Bihar polls
3 min read

Caste is one factor, but not the only factor: Prashant Kishor on Bihar's voting behaviour

Political strategist Prashant Kishor argues Bihar elections transcend caste, citing Modi's success and Lalu Yadav's M-Y vote base.

"Caste is one factor, but caste is not the only factor. – Prashant Kishor"

Patna, June 26

Ahead of the upcoming Assembly Elections in Bihar, Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor said that caste is not the only factor in the Bihar polls.

In an interview with ANI, replying to the question of caste politics in Bihar, Prashant Kishor cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's success in the Lok Sabha polls in Bihar as an example, arguing that caste is not the only poll plank.

The Jan Suraaj Party chief said, "In Bihar, for the past 15 years, the BJP has been getting a lot of success in the Lok Sabha elections. Most people believe that the BJP is not getting success, it is voting in the name of PM Modi."

"You said that every person in Bihar votes on caste based politics. And in Bihar, you are saying that a vote is being made in the name of Modi. So, tell us how many people live in Bihar who belong to Modi's caste? And if they don't live, then how did they vote for Modi? If every person is voting on caste, then tell us who voted for PM Modi in Bihar? Because there is no one from Modi's caste in Bihar," he told ANI.

Kishor added, "This means that people have voted in the name of PM Modi, apart from their caste. Whether they do it in the name of Hinduism, for Hindu-Muslims, for Ram Mandir, for development or nationalism, it is a different issue. But they are not doing it in the name of caste."

Taking former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav's example, he said that there is an M-Y (Muslim-Yadav) classification in Bihar, where even the Muslims vote for Lalu Yadav even though they do not belong to his caste.

Kishor told ANI, "Look at Lalu. People say that in Bihar, there is an M-Y classification. So Y is his caste is M-Muslim. 18% are Muslims. He (a Muslim voter) is not of Lalu's caste. Why does he vote for Lalu? He doesn't vote because he is of a caste, but because he can't vote for the BJP. He votes for Lalu out of fear. So, caste is one factor. But caste is not the only factor."

Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced the dates.

While the NDA, consisting of the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, will once again be looking to continue their stint in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, consisting of the RJD, Congress, and left parties, will be looking to unseat Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Prashant Kishor has presented his party, Jan Suraaj, as another alternative in the state. He announced that the party would contest in 243 seats.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally someone speaking sense! Caste politics has held Bihar back for decades. Development and good governance should matter more than caste equations. Hope voters think beyond traditional loyalties this time. 🙏
P
Priya M.
Interesting analysis by PK. But let's not pretend caste doesn't matter at all - it's still a major factor in rural areas. The urban youth might vote differently, but villages? That's where the real battle is.
A
Amit S.
Modi factor is real, but Nitish Kumar's flip-flops have damaged his credibility. Bihar needs stability and development, not musical chairs of alliances. Jan Suraaj might just be the fresh alternative we need!
S
Sunita R.
As a Bihari, I'm tired of this caste talk. Every election, same old story. We need better schools, hospitals and jobs. Which party will actually deliver this? That's what matters to me. #EnoughIsEnough
V
Vikas P.
Kishor makes valid points but let's see if his party can make any impact. Bihar's politics is deeply entrenched - it's not easy to break the RJD-JDU-BJP triangle. Wishing him luck though!
N
Neha T.
The mention of 'fear voting' is so true! Many communities vote defensively rather than for what they actually want. This needs to change if Bihar wants real progress. Democracy should be about hope, not fear.
R
Rajiv B.
While I agree caste isn't the ONLY factor, dismissing its importance completely would be naive.

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