How Bihar's new leaders are redefining politics

A LONG HISTORY of social and ideological movements that questioned authority has shaped Bihar’s political evolution. The state has produced several reformist and revolutionary currents—from Buddhism and Jainism to Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan movement, Jayaprakash Narayan’s call for total revolution, and the peasant uprisings led by Swami Sahajanand Saraswati. Naxalite movements later introduced new forms of social awareness. Together, these created a strong political consciousness that continues to influence the state’s politics.

In the decades after independence, the Congress dominated Bihar’s politics. Its support base rested largely on upper castes, with participation from backward and marginalised communities. Over time, those excluded groups began to develop their own political consciousness and identity. The early assertion of backward classes came through leaders such as Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav and formations like the Triveni Sangh, which brought together Yadav, Koeri and Kurmi communities.

The rise of Lalu Prasad Yadav in the 1990s was a turning point. His government, while criticised for weak administration, gave a political voice to sections that had been largely voiceless and outside political power. His “MY” (Muslim–Yadav) alliance consolidated a durable social base for nearly fifteen years, during which time the Congress and upper-caste dominance receded.

By the late 1990s, however, the state faced serious governance challenges like corruption, deteriorating law and order and economic stagnation. Nitish Kumar’s leadership emerged in response to this. His approach focused on rebuilding the state’s basic governance structure through infrastructure development, women’s empowerment and maintaining communal harmony. In his early years, Bihar’s growth rate rose sharply from a low base, and some social indicators improved.

Over the last two decades, a new layer of aspiration has taken shape, driven largely by young voters. Education, employment and health care have become central concerns, while traditional caste loyalties have begun to lose some of their hold. Over 60 per cent of Bihar’s population is under 35, making youth a decisive political constituency.

As a result, most major political actors—from Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav to Prashant Kishor and Chirag Paswan—are focusing on themes of opportunity, equality and governance, even as caste-based mobilisation continues. The Congress and other national parties, too, are attempting to connect with this aspirational voter base.

Migration is another major push factor shaping Bihar’s politics. Large-scale outmigration, particularly of the middle and lower-middle classes, has exposed Biharis to modern consciousness, governance models and opportunities in other parts of India. This external exposure has strengthened expectations within the state for better education, employment and infrastructure.

For outsiders, that may seem paradoxical, a poor state with a rich political mind. But that’s Bihar’s story: a place that has never stopped questioning authority, even when authority ignores it. Bihar’s electorate shows high levels of political engagement. Public discussions on governance and policy are common, reflecting a population that remains politically aware and vocal. The state’s long tradition of social questioning has sustained a culture of debate that distinguishes Bihar from many other states.

Today, Bihar stands at a point of transition. The older generation of leaders—Lalu, Nitish and Ram Vilas Paswan—defined politics through caste coalitions and identity mobilisation. The emerging generation, represented by Tejashwi, Chirag and others, is attempting to build politics around development and employment, while still navigating caste realities.

The author is with A.N. Sinha Institute of Social Studies, Patna.