In a strategic move aimed at strengthening its ties with various caste groups and political parties in the state of Bihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appointed Samrat Choudhary, a member of the Kushwaha community, as the president of its Bihar unit in March this year. This appointment holds significant importance as it marks the first time a BJP president hails from the Kushwaha community, which is the largest Other Backward Class (OBC) group in Bihar after the Yadavs. The BJP’s decision comes as the party prepares to challenge the ruling Mahagathbandhan government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal (United) and his deputy, Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections for Bihar’s 40 parliamentary seats.
By appointing Samrat Choudhary, the BJP aims to realign its relations with various caste groups in Bihar, particularly the OBC community. Traditionally, the Yadavs have held significant political influence in the state, and the Kushwahas represent a powerful OBC group, second in size only to the Yadavs. The BJP’s decision to appoint a leader from the Kushwaha community reflects a calculated effort to establish a broader social coalition and tap into the support base of this influential caste group.
The political landscape in Bihar has witnessed considerable fluctuations over the years, with different parties forming alliances and realigning their strategies to secure electoral success. In the 2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, the Mahagathbandhan, comprising the RJD, the Indian National Congress, and other regional parties, emerged victorious, forming the government. As the BJP gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it recognizes the significance of bolstering its position and strengthening alliances with various caste groups to mount a formidable challenge against the ruling coalition.
Samrat Choudhary’s appointment as the BJP’s Bihar unit president is not only aimed at consolidating the support of the Kushwaha community but also at expanding the party’s appeal among other OBC groups. The BJP has a history of focusing on social engineering, strategically aligning itself with different caste groups to broaden its voter base. This appointment signals the BJP’s intention to forge stronger connections with OBC communities in Bihar, which can potentially yield electoral dividends in the forthcoming elections.
Additionally, Choudhary’s leadership will play a crucial role in coordinating the party’s efforts to counter the Mahagathbandhan’s dominance and challenge the incumbency of the ruling coalition. As the BJP aims to secure a substantial number of parliamentary seats in Bihar, Choudhary will be responsible for mobilizing the party cadre, devising campaign strategies, and reaching out to voters across various social and regional segments.
Moreover, Choudhary’s appointment highlights the BJP’s commitment to promoting leadership from diverse backgrounds within the party. By selecting a leader from the Kushwaha community, the BJP not only acknowledges the community’s political significance but also sends a message of inclusivity and representation. This move can potentially resonate with voters who seek diverse and inclusive political leadership.
The appointment of Samrat Choudhary as the president of the BJP’s Bihar unit signifies the party’s intention to strengthen its relationships with different caste groups and political parties in the state. By selecting a leader from the Kushwaha community, the BJP aims to tap into the support base of the influential OBC group and expand its appeal among other OBC communities. Choudhary’s leadership will be crucial in mobilizing the party’s efforts to challenge the ruling Mahagathbandhan in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The appointment also highlights the BJP’s commitment to promoting diversity and representation within its leadership, signaling a broader message of inclusivity.