As Bihar enters the final phase of its elections, state Congress chief and key Dalit leader of the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan), Rajesh Kumar Ram, provided insights into the coalition’s strategy to challenge the incumbent Nitish Kumar government in an interview with Saubhadra Chatterji.
Challenging Nitish Kumar’s Women Voter Base
Ram directly addressed the perception of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s popularity among women voters, particularly regarding schemes like the ₹10,000 Jeevika loan and the increased ₹1,100 old-age pension.
He argued that these schemes have “backfired” on the Chief Minister:
“The Mahagathbandhan has a better plan for women voters (Mai Behan Maan Yojana), and we are promising ₹2,500 per month to every household.”
Ram claimed the Jeevika loan has become a “burden” for women. Citing his own campaigning experience, he noted that discontent has spread, even among men, due to the scheme’s limited reach: “I was campaigning in Majholi village and found that only one woman received it, while 76 others didn’t.” Regarding pensions, he promised that if the Grand Alliance comes to power, they will provide a ₹1,500 pension.
Strategy for Dalit and EBC Votes
As a key Dalit face of the Grand Alliance, Ram elaborated on the coalition’s plan to secure sizeable support from the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) and Maha-Dalit communities.
He highlighted measures announced by Rahul Gandhi specifically for EBCs, including:
- Providing loans for EBCs.
- Implementing a quota in government contracts.
Ram strongly criticized the prevalent contract labor system used by the current government and promised that the Grand Alliance plans to do away with this system, aiming to cater to the aspirations of the EBCs, SCs, and STs.
When discussing the Mahadalits, which include 22 sub-castes, Ram questioned the incumbent government’s policy for their empowerment. While acknowledging NDA Mahadalit face Jitan Ram Manjhi as a “respectable leader,” Ram suggested that Manjhi’s focus on promoting his own family has “alienated a large section of Mahadalits.” Ram, who belongs to the Ravidas community (which accounts for approximately 5% of Bihar’s society), claimed that having a Chamar leader is now accepted in Bihar.
Dismissing Rivals and Deflecting “Jungle Raj” Claims
Ram dismissed the potential impact of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party on the Grand Alliance’s vote bank. He stated that the party’s fielding of Muslim or backward caste candidates would not adversely impact their prospects, suggesting that Jan Suraaj might serve as an alternative for voters who would otherwise choose NOTA (None of the Above).
Finally, addressing the NDA’s campaign rhetoric centered on the return of “jungle raj” under the Grand Alliance, Ram questioned the efficacy of negative campaigning: “Can you get votes by scaring people?” He asserted that the NDA is raking up these “false allegations” in an attempt to cover up the huge anti-incumbency sentiment against the Nitish Kumar government.