There is little doubt that this segment, which is maintaining a stubborn silence at the moment, can swing the prospects of either alliance if and when it makes up its mind
New Delhi : As the date for the first phase of polling draws near, it is increasingly clear on the ground that the Extremely Backward Castes (EBCs) may hold the key to who would rule Bihar next month. Both the NDA as well as the Grand Alliance leaders have been eyeing the EBC votes for more than one year. But with recent opinion polls predicting a very close contest all over Bihar, the role of the EBC voters has become particularly decisive.
At least half a dozen pre-poll surveys have been published so far, each with a different prediction. However, the sum total of all these surveys clearly shows that Bihar is a keenly contested battle and this holds true not just in the big picture scenario but in almost every assembly segment.
What is baffling both the pollsters and the netas is the stubborn silence of the EBCs. With most members refusing to express their preference, both the alliances are claiming support of a major chunk of this nearly 30 percent vote share. Though this segment is locally known as ”pachpaniya” (for comprising 55 castes or sub castes), there can broadly be divided into half a dozen blocks. There is little doubt that this segment can swing the prospects of either alliance if and when it makes up its mind.
While it is difficult to draw them out to discuss their political choice, a few broad parameters may be indicative. First, there is a fear among most of the EBCs about a return of Lalu Raj.
Contd. on P2
