Nitish Kumar, the leader of Janata Dal (United), has faced backlash from his core supporters, the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), for his recent decision to rejoin the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar. However, as the Lok Sabha elections approach, they are firmly backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA’s bid for another term in power at the Centre.
While Nitish Kumar has maintained the support of the Kurmis, his own OBC community in Nalanda district, members of the EBCs in Assembly constituencies within his stronghold have voiced their grievances against both the JD(U) chief and the BJP, which backed him to secure his ninth term as Chief Minister on January 28.
The latest caste-based survey conducted by the Bihar government reveals that EBCs constitute 36% of the state’s population. Historically, this significant voter base has been loyal to Mr. Kumar, enabling his uninterrupted tenure in power for 18 years.
Dinesh Thakur, aged 45 and residing in Kurmiya Bigha village, belongs to the Nai (barber) community, classified under the EBC category in the Hilsa Assembly constituency. Despite acknowledging the BJP’s role in Nitish Kumar’s departure from the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) involving the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Congress, and the Left parties, he intends to cast his vote for Mr. Modi in the upcoming general election.
Voicing his frustration with the JD(U) leader, Mr. Thakur expressed his disapproval of Nitish Kumar’s decision to form yet another alliance. “Constantly changing alliances tarnishes one’s integrity. Nitishji was well aware of the RJD’s reputation before aligning with them. While he has indeed made strides in infrastructure development such as roads and electricity, this recent U-turn was unexpected,” he remarked.
‘No other option’
In the Islampur constituency, located 30 km away, Kailash Thakur, aged 60 and belonging to the Nai community in Korawan village, expressed his sympathy for RJD leader and former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav. However, he firmly believes that there is no viable alternative to Mr. Kumar and the BJP in Bihar.
“Nitish did commendable work during his initial terms, bringing about significant improvements on all fronts. However, his decline started in the third term coinciding with Modiji’s tenure as Prime Minister. Since then, he has struggled to form a stable alliance, constantly wavering. Despite this, we find no alternative to Nitishji and the BJP. While we empathize with Tejashwi, our preference lies with Modiji leading the Centre,” he remarked.
Dharmendra Kumar, representing the Mali (florist) community in Biharsharif’s Noorsarai area within the Nalanda Assembly constituency, expressed his uncertainty regarding his voting choice. “If changing the government was deemed necessary, it would have been preferable to impose President’s Rule and conduct fresh elections. It appears that our votes hold little significance. I am contemplating opting for the NOTA (none of the above) option in the Assembly election. Nevertheless, I acknowledge Modiji’s commendable work at the Centre,” he stated.
Jagarnath Vishwakarma, belonging to the Lohar (blacksmith) community in the Biharsharif constituency, criticized Mr. Kumar for manipulating voters’ sentiments and pledged to retaliate against the JD(U) and the BJP in the 2025 Assembly election. He commended Mr. Yadav for addressing genuine concerns regarding job creation and fulfilling promises upon assuming power.
“It’s undeniable that with Tejashwi’s inclusion in the government, many found employment opportunities. The sudden change in government caught us off guard; Nitish Kumar remains an enigma, difficult for anyone to decipher. The BJP shares equal responsibility; why did they welcome him back after claiming their doors were shut to him? Come the Assembly election, we’ll ensure they learn their lesson,” remarked Mr. Vishwarkarma.
Ram Bachchan Sharma, representing the Badhai (carpenter) community in Biharsharif, attributed Mr. Kumar’s frequent reversals to both the BJP and the RJD and labeled him as a politician lacking a clear ideology. “Instead of solely blaming Nitish, why isn’t anyone holding the BJP and RJD accountable for consistently embracing him as their leader? The BJP could have contested alone in the elections, as our community firmly stands with Modiji. There was no necessity to include him [Mr. Kumar],” he asserted.
While women voters expressed appreciation for the Chief Minister’s efforts, they also voiced criticism for his frequent changes in allegiance. Ranjan Devi, a mother of three and a Dalit resident of Lakhnu Bigha village in the Asthawan constituency, who operates a small cosmetics shop, acknowledged Mr. Kumar’s initiatives such as providing reservation for women in gram panchayats and offering financial assistance to girls who pass Classes 10, 12, and graduation. However, she lamented, “Nitish has made significant contributions for women, but his habit of switching sides tarnishes the political environment.”
Urmila Kumari, an ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) worker in Manorampur village, called upon the government to increase the monthly wages of ASHA workers from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500. She also lauded Mr. Modi for introducing reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State legislatures.
However, the Chief Minister faces a formidable challenge from first-time and young voters who lean towards Mr. Yadav. Munna Kumar, a first-time voter and resident of Keshavpur village in Hilsa, expressed, “Injustice has been done to Tejashwi Yadav. It’s truly disheartening that Nitishji has once again betrayed him. Tejashwi is a young leader, and Nitish should have supported his rise. This recent reversal demonstrates that Nitish cannot thrive without the CM’s seat, which won’t be his forever.”
‘Country in safe hands’
Shashi Kumar, a 22-year-old resident of the same village, whose father, Jagendra Paswan, works as a mason, expressed that while they are “seeking a change” in the State, they believe that the country is “in safe hands.”
