The Mahagathbandhan’s announcement of a 10-point ‘Atipichhda Nyay Sankalp’ (‘Extremely Backward Classes Justice Resolution’) last week is significant ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls in Bihar.

The Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) are the largest social group in Bihar, one which has been a traditional voter base for Nitish Kumar and his Janata Dal (United). The Opposition’s push to attract EBC voters seeks to fundamentally reshape Bihar’s electoral dynamics, and help rebuild the Congress’ voterbase.

Who are EBCs?

The EBCs are a sub-category of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) specifically defined by the Bihar government. They comprise socially and educationally disadvantaged castes that were deemed “more deprived” than the larger OBC grouping.

The recent caste survey in Bihar

See Full Page