NDA banks on caste coalition in Bihar

The upcoming Bihar Assembly elections are shaping up to be more about caste equations and Muslim politics than development.

- AJIT MAINDOLA

Both the BJP-led NDA and the opposition are actively working to secure the support of backward classes and Muslim voters.

The Congress and the Mahagathbandhan alliance are making reservation and constitutional issues central to their campaign. Like the recent Lok Sabha elections, they are once again trying to win over backward classes and Muslims by promising extended reservations.

Reports suggest that the alliance may give fewer tickets to upper castes this time.

On the other hand, the BJP is focusing on strengthening its caste-based alliances and highlighting Hindutva.

Events like the Mahakumbh and the Waqf Bill are expected to play a key role.

Behind the scenes, the RSS is pushing the narrative of nationalism and Hindutva, just as it did in other states.

Since the general elections, the BJP has countered the opposition's narrative on reservation by emphasizing its commitment to the Constitution and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's ideals.

The party has run several campaigns aimed at weakening the opposition's hold over backward-class politics.