Bihar Caste Census Reveals 63% OBC and EBC Population, Political Parties Spar Over Implications

Patna, Bihar: In a significant revelation, the Bihar government released the findings of its much-awaited caste census survey, unveiling a demographic landscape where Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) constitute a formidable 63 percent of the state's total population. The survey's findings have ignited a political firestorm, with various parties and leaders reacting to the data and its implications for social and political representation.

According to the data released by Development Commissioner Vivek Singh, Bihar's total population stands at just over 13.07 crore (130.7 million). The survey identified the following key demographic groups:

Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs): The largest social segment, making up 36 percent of the population.
Other Backward Classes (OBCs): Comprising 27.13 percent of the population.
Yadavs: The largest subgroup within OBCs, representing 14.27 percent of the total population.
Dalits (Scheduled Castes): Accounting for 19.65 percent.
Scheduled Tribes: Nearly 22 lakh (1.68 percent) people belong to the Scheduled Tribes category.
Unreserved (Upper Castes): Comprising 15.52 percent of the population.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi accused the opposition of perpetuating caste-based divisions. He indirectly referred to the Bihar government's findings, suggesting that despite six decades of governance by the opposition, development had been slow. "They used to divide the country on the basis of caste, and even now they are doing the same," he said.

Rahul Gandhi, Congress: Rahul Gandhi, former Congress president, reiterated the need for a caste-based census at the national level, emphasizing that the exact proportion of various caste groups should be known for equitable representation. He criticized the BJP-led central government for not giving due representation to OBCs and pledged that the Congress would prioritize a caste census if elected.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary: Ramesh pointed out that the UPA government had conducted a similar caste census, but its results were not published by the Modi government. He underlined the importance of conducting a national caste census to strengthen social empowerment programs and deepen social justice.

Nitish Kumar, Bihar Chief Minister (JD[U]): Kumar welcomed the survey's release, and his party, JD(U), highlighted the need for data-driven policymaking. He stated that the findings would help in formulating policies aimed at the welfare of different communities in the state.

Tejashwi Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister (RJD): Tejashwi Yadav, whose community, the Yadavs, make up a significant portion of the OBC population, hailed the survey results. He argued that the data highlighted the need for targeted policies to uplift marginalized communities.

The Congress party, in a statement, welcomed the Bihar government's initiative and called upon the central government to conduct a national caste census without delay. They argued that such data is crucial for achieving social justice and empowering disadvantaged communities.

The release of Bihar's caste census findings has far-reaching political implications, with various parties using the data to advance their agendas. As the debate rages on, the focus now shifts to the central government, where demands for a nationwide caste-based census have gained momentum. Whether this data will lead to meaningful policy changes and a more equitable society remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly intensified the discourse on caste-based issues in India.