Caste politics may spoil RJD, JD(U) hopes of defeating 'Modi’s party'

New Delhi: The two arch-rivals in Bihar, RJD chief Lalu Prasad and former chief minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, coming together with an aim to take on the “communal” BJP may look formidable on paper, but the caste contradictions in the grassroots may jeopardise their dream to defeat “Modi’s party”.

It is true that as rivals, both the RJD and the JD(U) together got more votes than the NDA in the last Lok Sabha elections, but keen Bihar observers believe that it has always been a “mistake to analyse politics on the basis of arithmetic”.

“The two leaders striking an electoral alliance does not mean that respective social groups traditionally supporting them will essentially vote in their favour in the coming elections. There are caste contradictions, as it would be difficult for Yadavs to accept Mr Kumar and, Similarly, the mahadalit communities, who traditionally support the JD(U), will find it difficult to support Lalu,” political pandits believe. However, the new alliance will benefit in at least one corner, as Muslim votes will certainly not split.