Bihar Polls: JD(U) List Bets on ‘Love-Kush’ & Upper Castes, Snubs Muslims

The Janata Dal (United)’s initial candidate list for the Bihar Assembly elections, released by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, highlights a strategic reliance on the ‘Love-Kush’ (Kushwaha and Kurmi) communities, which form the bedrock of his political support. Out of the 57 candidates announced for the 101 seats the JD(U) will contest, approximately 40 percent belong to these two groups. This focus is seen as a move to reinforce his base and fend off political challenges. The party has also made a significant outreach to upper-caste Hindu communities, traditionally aligned with the BJP, by nominating 13 candidates from these demographics. This dual approach suggests an attempt to balance and expand the party’s appeal. Additionally, Nitish Kumar is seeking to consolidate support among Dalits, with 12 candidates fielded, and Extremely Backward Castes (EBCs), by allocating tickets to communities like Vaishyas and Mallahs. The notable exclusion of Muslim candidates from the first list is a clear indication of the party’s reassessment of voter loyalties, anticipating a consolidation of these votes with the RJD. The list’s composition, while strategically designed, has also led to internal friction, with reports of protests from some party workers unhappy with the nominations.