Voters look for their caste on EVMs in Bihar

PATNA: Caste appears to be the dominant factor for voters even in urban areas like Patna and its outskirts where polling was held on Wednesday.

Most voters that ET talked to in Patna and Danapur after they had exercised their franchise indicated that the caste equations were foremost in their mind. While BJP leaders claim they will win most of the seats in Patna, the party's prospects may be dented in other parts of Bihar if this trend is all pervasive.

"Finally a Bihari voter looks for his caste on the EVM," a voter told ET in Danapur.

Though Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP is contesting the polls as part of NDA, the Kushwaha voters did not appear enthusiastic about voting for the BJP in Danapur.

"Kushwahas are voting for a candidate belonging to their caste irrespective of the party he represents," a BJP leader said, preferring anonymity.

Most people said Yadavs are voting for Lalu Prasad's RJD and BJP's Yadav candidates are at most likely to get the support of only their kin and close associates.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks on reservations have caused disenchantment among the EBCs. Many of them openly said they will not vote for BJP. NDA partner Ram Vilas Paswan's criticism of Bhagwat's comments was the talking point among many voters.

Despite BJP's best efforts to make development the main issue in Bihar polls, caste continues to dominate.

Even BJP voters accept that Nitish Kumar has done a good job as chief minister.

BJP supporters maintained the party will win though it is a tough fight. "A change is required. Education and development are major issues. My daughter has to study outside Bihar," said a upper caste voter in Danapur.

BJP Bihar unit chief Mangal Pandey said his party has done extremely well in the third phase. He said BJP will win handsomely in most seats even in Nalanda, which is considered Nitish Kumar's stronghold.