JD(U) introduces reservation in its organisational polls in Bihar

PATNA: Known for experimenting with new political ideas , Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar this time made sure to introduce reservation in the organisation polls of the JD(U), a move which many believe will help consolidate its political base in the state .

It all started with elections at the lower level from Panchayat to town and block in which 60 per cent reservation was prescribed for extremely backward castes (EBCs), Mahadalits , minorities and women , the constituencies whose voting behaviour has largely been influenced by the JD(U) in recent years .

The organisational polls of the JD(U) at the panchayat level were completed between 15 January to 20 January while that of the town and block levels , the polls were completed between 25 January to 30 January . Such a reservation formula will now be adopted for the JD(U)’s organisational poll at the district and state level .

This is for the first time any political outfit has adopted reservation formula for its elections setting a new benchmark for the other political parties like RJD which has been charting its own revival plan. While the RJD is already done with its organisational polls , the ruling JD(U) has fastidiously gone about implementing the reservation formula in its organisational polls leaving room for comparison between the two parties .

The fact that Nitish Kumar has been able to buttress its political position is mainly attributed to the growing support base among the EBC’s and the Mahadalits . The EBCs benefitted in a big way in the past when Nitish Kumar government in 2006 allowed reservation for them in the panchayati bodies , a move which made Nitish Kumar quite popular among the EBCs.

“ It is not without reason the EBCs are referred to as the silent voters of Nitish Kumar . Nitish Kumar has also been doling out policy support and other incentives to the Mahadalits , minorities and women. Now that the provision of reservation has been adopted for the organisational poll , the JD(U) can hope to further cement its support among sections which have been rallying behind it” remarked a political observer .