MOHAMMAD ZIYAUDDIN
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With assembly elections just months away, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar has expanded its cabinet, inducting seven new ministers. This strategic move aims to strike a careful caste balance, a crucial factor in Bihar’s political landscape.
The new ministers sworn in on Wednesday are:
Sanjay Saraogi
Sunil Kumar
Jibesh Kumar
Raju Kumar Singh
Moti Lal Prasad
Vijay Kumar Mandal
Krishan Kumar Mantoo
Each of these appointments caters to a specific caste group, ensuring that the BJP-JD(U) government appeases key vote banks ahead of the elections.
Who Are the New Ministers & The Castes They Represent?
Krishan Kumar Mantoo (Kurmi)
- Kurmis are a dominant OBC group in Bihar, and CM Nitish Kumar belongs to this community.
- His inclusion further consolidates Kurmi support for the JD(U).
Vijay Kumar Mandal (Kewat/Mallah/Nishad)
- Represents the Kewat caste, which is Scheduled Caste (SC) in Bihar.
- This community, traditionally boatmen and fishermen, also exists as Mallah, Nishad, and Machhuara in Bihar and UP.
Raju Kumar Singh (Rajput)
- The Rajput community has historically been part of Bihar’s feudal elite.
- Even in RJD governments, Rajputs had a strong presence, with Raghuvansh Prasad Singh being a major leader.
- His induction aims to retain Rajput support for the NDA.
Sanjay Saraogi (Vaishya)
- Vaishyas (trading community) have a strong presence in Darbhanga.
- His induction is aimed at securing the support of business-class voters in North Bihar.
Jibesh Kumar Mishra (Bhumihar)
- Bhumihars are a dominant upper-caste but were found to be the least economically stable among upper castes in Bihar’s caste census.
- 27.58% of Bhumihars are considered poor, fueling demands for better representation.
- His induction is BJP’s attempt to reassure the community.
Sunil Kumar (Kushwaha)
- The Kushwaha caste, though similar to Kurmis, maintains a separate identity.
- Politically strong in regions like Samastipur.
- Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Upendra Kushwaha is a key leader from this community.
Moti Lal Prasad (Teli)
- Teli caste is a lower OBC group, later included in Bihar’s Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) list in 2015 after strong lobbying.
- His induction is a message to EBC voters that they remain a priority for the NDA government.
Why This Expansion Matters?
Caste Representation: The expansion ensures major caste groups are represented, reducing the risk of voter alienation.
Regional Balance: Ministers have been chosen from North, South, and Central Bihar, ensuring geographical diversity.
Pre-Election Strategy: By appeasing influential caste groups, the NDA aims to strengthen its vote bank ahead of elections.
This well-calculated political move signals that BJP and JD(U) are leaving no stone unturned to maintain their electoral stronghold in Bihar.
