Key Points
- Bihar CM Nitish Kumar forms commissions for upper castes and minorities, altering political dynamics.
- Move seen as a strategy to secure upper caste and Muslim votes before the assembly elections.
- RJD and Prashant Kishore reportedly on the backfoot due to Nitish’s unexpected political maneuvers.
- Major appointments made to new commissions, including Mahachandra Prasad Singh and Ghulam Rasool Baliyavi.
- Political analysts call Nitish’s use of commissions an “out-of-the-box” strategy that benefits JDU both with and without BJP.
Patna: With only six months left before the crucial Bihar assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has once again demonstrated his reputation as a master of social engineering. His latest political moves forming commissions for upper castes and minorities are sending shockwaves through the state’s political circles and leaving rivals scrambling to respond.
Upper Caste Commission: A Calculated Move
Nitish Kumar’s decision to create a commission for the development of upper castes is being hailed as a strategic masterstroke. The move is widely seen as a way to address the aspirations of the economically weaker sections (EWS) among upper castes, effectively neutralizing any opposition criticism. Analysts note that this commission not only consolidates JDU’s upper caste vote bank but also blunts the growing influence of political strategist Prashant Kishore among these voters.
Key Appointments
- Mahachandra Prasad Singh (Muzaffarpur) has been named Chairman.
- Rajiv Ranjan (JDU chief spokesperson) appointed Vice Chairman.
- Dayanand Rai, Jai Krishna Jha, and Rajkumar Singh join as members.
- The commission’s tenure is set for three years.
Minority Commission Reorganization: Eye on Muslim Vote Bank
In a parallel move, the Bihar government has reorganized the Minority Commission, with Ghulam Rasool Baliyavi appointed as Chairman. This comes amid ongoing protests against the controversial Waqf law, which had led to perceptions of Nitish Kumar as a “villain” among some Muslim groups. By revamping the commission, Nitish aims to mend fences with the Muslim community and safeguard JDU’s traditional minority vote bank, especially as many Muslims appear to be gravitating toward the Mahagathbandhan alliance.
Scheduled Tribe Commission: New Leadership
The state has also overhauled the Scheduled Tribe Commission:
- Shailendra Kumar is the new Chairman.
- Surendra Oraon becomes Vice Chairman.
- Premshila Gupta, Tallu Baski, and Raju Kumar are appointed as members.
Political Impact: Rivals on the Defensive
Nitish Kumar’s commission strategy is being described as “out-of-the-box,” with analysts suggesting it locks in electoral benefits for JDU whether it remains allied with the BJP or not. The RJD, led by Lalu Prasad Yadav, is seen as being pushed onto the backfoot, particularly as the reorganization of the Minority Commission is expected to weaken the traditional MY (Muslim-Yadav) equation. Prashant Kishore, known for his election strategies, is also reportedly concerned about the shifting upper caste dynamics.
The Bottom Line
With these moves, Nitish Kumar has once again demonstrated his ability to outmaneuver political opponents and reshape Bihar’s electoral landscape. As the assembly elections approach, all eyes are on how these commissions will influence voter sentiment and whether the opposition can find an effective response.
