Bihar: JD(U) Plans To Build Upon Caste Survey With 'Bhim Sansad' Rally For Dalits

In Bihar, the Janata Dal (United), JD(U), is gearing up for a significant gathering called "Bhim Sansad" to unite Scheduled Castes in the state, as reported by Indian Express.

This action stems from a recent Bihar caste survey. On 10 October, Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar initiated the journey of 'Bhim Sansad Raths,' which will traverse various regions of Bihar, gathering people for the main event set for 5 November.

Key leaders involved in this effort, such as influential Dalit leaders Ashok Kumar Choudhary, Sunil Kumar, and Ranesh Sada, are actively reaching out to the public.

The caste survey revealed an increase in Bihar's Scheduled Caste (SC) population, which now stands at 19.65 per cent of the total, compared to the previous estimate of approximately 16 per cent.

This revelation has shifted the focus towards the Scheduled Castes, along with the acknowledgment that Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) form the largest social group in Bihar, constituting 36.1 per cent.

Ashok Kumar Choudhary, who is also the Building Construction Minister, stressed that the Bhim Sansad aims to promote social equality, aligning with the government's motto of "development with justice."

Choudhary also highlighted various initiatives led by Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister, including the establishment of a separate SC/ST Welfare Department in 2007, distinct from the Social Welfare Department.

Ministers Sunil Kumar and Ratnesh Sada are actively engaging with communities in designated areas, with the aim of bolstering support for the Bhim Sansad.

The political significance of this initiative is undeniable, underscoring Nitish Kumar's strategic outreach to Scheduled Caste (SC) communities.

This approach is evident from the 2005 'Mahadalits' initiative, which unified 21 SC communities under a single banner.

Remarkably, this strategy has yielded political advantages, even as Nitish Kumar himself hails from the Kurmi community, which has a comparatively smaller presence in Bihar.

In response to the JD(U)'s plans, the BJP expressed skepticism, characterizing the Bhim Sansad as a mere political gesture.

In defense, Choudhary argued that the BJP should not dismiss the importance of this initiative, especially given its discussions about reviewing reservations.

The mobilisation of Scheduled Castes in Bihar, coupled with the political strategies deployed, remains a key focus for both the JD(U) and the BJP, setting the stage for an intriguing political scenario in the state.