Bihar BJP unveils a balanced state leadership team comprising a mix of experienced and fresh members, emphasizing diversity and representation across castes. The move hints at strategic shifts in the party’s approach.
Balanced Representation with a Shift in Strategy
Bihar BJP’s President, Samrat Choudhary, unveiled a team of 38 office-bearers for the state unit, marking his leadership journey’s four-month milestone. The list emphasizes inclusivity by mixing established and emerging party members while ensuring representation across various castes. Importantly, the inclusion of only one Yadav face signifies a shift in focus towards consolidating the party’s core base, rather than continuing efforts to engage with the Yadav community.
Composition and Diversity
Among the appointments, there are 12 state vice presidents and 12 state secretaries. Additionally, five state general secretaries have been selected. Interestingly, the new team’s average age stands at 45 years, showcasing a departure from the conventional age trend. Twelve leaders are in their early 40s, and two are under 40.
The team composition reflects a diverse range of communities. Seven OBCs, consisting of three Vaishyas, two Kushwahas, and one Kurmi and Yadav each, bring representation from these backgrounds. Five members hail from Economically Backward Castes (EBCs), including Kahar, Kumhar, Nonia, Dhanuk, and Nishad communities. Scheduled Caste (SC) representation encompasses leaders from Paswan, Ravidas, and Dangi groups. Furthermore, the list features four Rajputs, three each from Bhumihar and Brahmin communities, and a Kayasth leader.
Strategic Shift and Past Efforts
While the BJP’s traditional support base lies within upper castes and OBCs (excluding Yadavs), recent efforts have extended support from some SC communities. In the past, the party attempted to connect with Yadavs, a stronghold of the Rashtriya Janata Dal. This included projecting Union Minister Nityanand Rai, a prominent Yadav figure, as a potential chief ministerial candidate in 2022.
Geographical Diversity
Leaders in the new state leadership team are drawn from various regions across Bihar, representing districts such as Buxar, Bhojpur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Siwan, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Vaishali, Rohtas, East Champaran, Jehanabad, Patna, Saharsa, Gaya, Madgeoura, Purnia, Khagaria, and Gopalganj.
With new vice-presidents like Siddharth Shambhu and Bhim Singh Chandravanshi, and state secretaries including Guru Prakash Paswan and Santosh Ranjan, Bihar’s BJP is gearing up with a diverse and dynamic team to navigate its political path ahead.