Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, October 2
According to the latest caste census report released here on Monday, Yadavas with 14.24 per cent population dominate the group within Hindus who constitute 82 percent of the total population in Bihar.
With over 12 per cent Muslim population, the MY combination floated by Lalu Prasad enjoys a comfortable support base for RJD.
Releasing the report, Chief Secretary Vivek Kumar Singh said caste census conducted in two phases by 2.42 lakh enumerators found there were 36 per cent extremely backwards and 27 per cent other backward castes who constitute the vote bank of the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar.
Among the OBCs, Kurmis are 2.87 per cent and Kushwahas 4.21 per cent. Kayasthas, who used to control bureaucracy and academic world are only 0.60, Brahmins’ are 3.66 per cent, Bhumihars 2.86 per cent and Rajputs 3.45 per cent (all forward castes). Trading community of Baniyas considered the vote bank of BJP have 2.31 per cent share in the population.
Bihar is the fifth state after Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala to hold caste census.
In 1977, the then Chief Minister, Karpoori Thakur had constituted Mungeri Commission that recommended 12 per cent reservations for extremely backwards and now their population has risen to 36 per cent.
