RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s 78th birthday was celebrated with great enthusiasm, marked by food distribution in Dalit settlements across Bihar Bihar Dalit. Following party directives, notebooks and pens were also given to children in Dalit and Mahadalit colonies statewide. Political analysts see this campaign as a strategic move ahead of the Bihar assembly elections. Senior journalist Luv Kumar Mishra notes that this Dalit vote bank was a stronghold for Lalu in the 1990s, and the party is now working to reconnect with these voters through this initiative.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav ruled Bihar for 15 years largely on the Dalit vote bank. Known as a strong Dalit supporter, he personally connected with Dalit communities by visiting settlements, caring for children, and sharing meals. During his tenure, many housing projects were built for Dalits in Patna, securing their loyalty. Following Lalu’s instructions, the party is again focusing on Mahadalit settlements.
Dalits make up nearly 19-20% of Bihar’s population, with 38 of the 243 assembly seats reserved for them. This gives Dalit voters significant power to influence election outcomes. In the 2020 elections, the NDA won 21 of these seats—JDU secured 8, while the Grand Alliance took 17. Consequently, all major parties are actively engaging Dalit voters ahead of upcoming polls. For instance, Congress recently appointed Rajesh Ram, from the Dalit community, as Bihar Pradesh Congress president to strengthen its appeal among Dalit voters.
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Dalit voters in Bihar
Dalits were long-time Congress voters in Bihar, but after the 1990s, leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Ram Vilas Paswan, and Nitish Kumar gradually gained influence among them. This shift began with the 1990 implementation of the Mandal Commission report, which sparked a nationwide ‘Mandal wave’ and intensified caste-based political conflicts in Bihar.
Lalu’s rise in Bihar politics was closely tied to this wave, supported initially by Ram Vilas Paswan and Nitish Kumar. However, the trio later parted ways, leading Dalit voters to shift their allegiance over time. By 2005, the Dalit vote bank fragmented further as new Dalit leaders emerged. Nitish Kumar notably strengthened his hold on Dalit voters by appointing Jitan Ram Manjhi as Chief Minister, reshaping Bihar’s political landscape.
A look at the Dalit vote bank
- Dalits make up 18 to 20% of Bihar’s population.
- The Chamar caste represents 31.3% of the total Dalit population.
- The Dusadh caste ranks second, comprising 30.9% of Bihar’s Scheduled Caste population.
- Other significant Dalit communities include Musahar, Pasi, Dhobi, and Bhuiya castes, in that order.
38 Dalit MLAs won the elections in 2020
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, 38 Dalit MLAs were elected: 13 from the Paswan caste, 13 from the Ravidas caste, 7 from the Musahar community, 3 from the Pasi caste, and 1 from the Mehatar caste.
Category of castes
Bihar, the Dalit community consists of 22 castes. However, when Nitish Kumar came to power in 2005, he split the community to attract Dalit voters. He classified 21 castes as Mahadalits, leaving only the Paswan caste in the Dalit category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Bihar’s population is Dalit?
Dalits make up about 18 to 20% of Bihar’s population.
Which Dalit castes are the largest in Bihar?
The Chamar caste is the largest, comprising roughly 31.3% of the Dalit population, followed closely by the Dusadh (Paswan) caste at about 30.9%.
How important is the Dalit vote bank in Bihar elections?
Dalits have significant electoral power with 38 reserved assembly seats out of 243, making them key to forming governments.
How has Lalu Prasad Yadav influenced Dalit politics in Bihar?
Lalu ruled Bihar for 15 years largely on Dalit support, actively engaging with Dalit communities and implementing welfare programs.
What changes did Nitish Kumar make regarding Dalit classifications?
In 2005, Nitish Kumar split the Dalit community into two groups, designating 21 castes as Mahadalits while keeping the Paswan caste separate to consolidate votes.
How fragmented is the Dalit vote in Bihar?
The Dalit vote has become more fragmented over the years, with multiple Dalit leaders and parties vying for support.
How did Dalit MLAs perform in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections?
In 2020, 38 Dalit MLAs won seats, including 13 from Paswan, 13 from Ravidas, 7 from Musahar, 3 from Pasi, and 1 from the Mehatar caste.
What strategies are political parties using to win Dalit votes?
Parties are distributing resources in Dalit areas, appointing Dalit leaders, and organizing community-specific programs to engage voters.
Conclusion
Dalit politics in Bihar remains a powerful and dynamic force shaping the state’s electoral landscape. With nearly 20% of the population and 38 reserved assembly seats, Dalit voters hold significant sway in forming governments. Leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar have historically leveraged this vote bank through targeted outreach and social welfare initiatives.
However, increasing fragmentation within the Dalit community and emerging leaders have made this political space more competitive. As Bihar approaches its next elections, all major parties are intensifying efforts to connect with Dalit voters, recognizing their crucial role in determining the state’s political future.
