Caste Politics Goes Viral in Bihar: The Rise of Identity Politics on Social Media

The state of Bihar is witnessing a new dimension of politics, where social media platforms have become the battleground for casting votes based on community affiliations. Political parties are leveraging Bhojpuri songs and video reels to spread caste-based messages, glorifying specific communities and projecting their leaders as the only option for securing power. This phenomenon is a result of the state's "caste arithmetic," which prioritizes identity over governance and development.

Key Takeaways:

• The rise of caste politics on social media in Bihar is a phenomenon where political parties are leveraging Bhojpuri songs and video reels to spread caste-based messages.
• The videos, viewed by thousands and even lakhs, glorify specific caste groups and highlight the enduring centrality of identity in Bihar's politics.
• Pages dedicated to communities such as the Ahiraan (Yadavs), Babhan (Bhumihar Brahmins), and Kushwaha have become hyper-local propaganda machines.
• The content ranges from slick memes to meticulously produced videos, celebrating leaders based on lineage rather than governance, with development records often taking a back seat.
• RJD supporters use music centered on the Yadav community to project unity and strength, capturing the message "Ektarfa ba vote laalten ke (one-sided votes for RJD symbol lantern)".
• The opposing side, influenced by the Bhumihar ('Babhan') and the Kushwaha communities, produces reels promoting the governing NDA as the protector of their interests.
• Kurmi groups circulate memes highlighting chief minister Nitish Kumar's achievements over rivals, while the Nishad community rallies behind Mukesh Sahani, portraying him as the future "khevanhaar (helmsman)" of Bihar.

Statistics:

• Thousands of video reels and memes are being viewed online, further polarizing the identity politics-based voting trends in Bihar.
• Bhojpuri songs and videos feature leaders based on lineage rather than governance, with development records often taking a back seat.
• Pages dedicated to specific communities have become hyper-local propaganda machines, amplifying the state's "caste arithmetic".
• Reels featuring RJD functionaries and Bhojpuri movie stars have gone viral, with songs that equate RJD's victory with the political rise of the Yadav community.

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