Bihar Deputy CMs Poised for Major Victory as UC-OBC Strategy Proves Effective
The National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) strategy in Bihar of combining an influential OBC leader with an upper-caste face appears to have borne fruit, as the counting of votes progresses.
Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Celebrate Anticipated Victories
As the counting unfolds, both deputy chief ministers, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, are leading in their respective constituencies.
Samrat Choudhary’s Strong Position in Tarapur
Samrat Choudhary holds a decisive lead in the Tarapur constituency, located in the Munger district. He is currently ahead in votes against Arun Kumar from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Santosh Kumar Singh of the Jan Suraaj Party.
- Constituency: Tarapur
- Location: Munger district
- Lead Against: Arun Kumar (RJD), Santosh Kumar Singh (Jan Suraaj Party)
Choudhary, affiliated with the Kushwaha caste, which constitutes 4.21 percent of Bihar’s population, has been a significant figure for the BJP. His candidacy is seen as pivotal for the NDA’s appeal to OBC voters.
Vijay Kumar Sinha Leads in Lakhisarai
Similarly, Vijay Kumar Sinha is showing a strong lead in the Lakhisarai assembly constituency. He is currently leading against Amaresh Kumar from the Congress party and Suraj Kumar from the Jan Suraaj Party.
- Constituency: Lakhisarai
- Lead Against: Amaresh Kumar (Congress), Suraj Kumar (Jan Suraaj Party)
Sinha, a seasoned politician with ties to the influential Bhumihar community, has previously served in various capacities including assembly speaker and cabinet minister. His long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) contributes to his popularity.
Challenges and Campaigning Strategies
Choudhary faced accusations regarding his past but has navigated these challenges effectively. He has been proactive, campaigning extensively across Bihar, strengthening the NDA’s position.
Sinha encountered protests during the election period but maintained a positive outlook on his re-election campaign. He expressed confidence that the public favors the NDA’s governance and development agenda.
Conclusion: An Effective UC-OBC Strategy
The initial results suggest that the NDA’s strategy of pairing an upper-caste candidate with a prominent OBC leader may indeed secure significant victories in Bihar. With both deputy chief ministers poised for victory, the union may signal a shift in Bihar’s political landscape, aligning the interests of diverse voter bases.