**Patna:** Bihar’s Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), comprising 36.01 percent of the state’s population, are set to play a highly significant role in the upcoming assembly elections. This is because the voting pattern among them is likely to undergo notable shifts this time around.
Traditionally, EBCs have largely supported the NDA in past elections. However, their votes are now virtually up for grabs, especially as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—who has long enjoyed the backing of a substantial portion of EBC voters—appears to be nearing the end of his political career.
In a clear indication of the importance the INDIA bloc is attaching to EBC voters, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav released a 10-point “Ati Pichhada Sankalp” resolution in Patna on Wednesday. This initiative highlights their strategic focus on securing EBC support in the election.
### Who Are the EBCs?
EBCs are spread across Bihar and constitute the largest group according to the state’s caste-based survey. They include approximately 130 groups and sub-groups. Some prominent communities within the EBC category are:
– Nai (barbers)
– Fishermen (bearing surnames such as Sahani, Nishad, Kevat)
– Lohar (blacksmiths)
– Teli (those traditionally involved in the oil business)
– Nonia (historically salt makers; “non” meaning salt)
### Nitish Kumar and the EBCs
As Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar has fostered strong ties with the EBCs through various reservations and welfare schemes. Notably, his government implemented a landmark decision providing 20 percent reservation for EBCs in Bihar’s panchayats and urban local bodies, which significantly boosted confidence among these communities.
“Since Nitish is active in this coming election and the NDA is contesting under his leadership, EBCs may not completely drift away from JD(U). However, a section of EBC voters may reconsider their political alliances once Nitish is no longer in the picture,” remarked Pushpendra Kumar Singh, former professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).
### INDIA Bloc’s Strategy
The INDIA bloc appears to be ahead of the NDA in courting EBC votes. Their pledge to enact laws protecting EBCs—modeled after existing protections nationwide for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST)—is a key part of this strategy.
Singh also pointed out that within the INDIA alliance, Congress has the unique ability to attract and persuade other social groups to support the opposition, as other members of the alliance have struggled to expand beyond their traditional voter bases.
Additionally, Congress may play a crucial role in neutralizing the impact of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party during the elections.
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As the assembly polls approach, the shifting loyalties and political strategies surrounding Bihar’s EBCs will be a factor to watch closely, potentially reshaping the state’s electoral landscape.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/bihar-elections-ebcs-emerge-as-key-deciding-factor-with-36-population-share
