As Bihar moves into the final and most decisive phase of its assembly elections, the political temperature in the state has intensified. In this context, state Congress chief Rajesh Kumar Ram—one of the most prominent Dalit leaders in the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance)—outlined the coalition’s strategy to challenge Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the NDA government. In a detailed conversation with Saubhadra Chatterji, Ram discussed the shifting political sentiments, the appeal of welfare schemes, Dalit and EBC outreach, and the perceived impact of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party. The following is a long-form reconstruction based on the key points from the interview.

Welfare schemes: a political advantage or a misstep for Nitish Kumar?

Nitish Kumar’s reputation among women voters has historically been a major electoral asset for the NDA. Over the years, targeted welfare delivery—including schemes for women’s empowerment, education, and livelihood—has contributed to the consolidation of a dependable support base. Ahead of this election, the introduction of a ₹10,000 loan for women through the Jeevika programme and the increase in old-age pensions to ₹1,100 were seen as significant interventions designed to reinforce that advantage.

Rajesh Kumar Ram, however, argued that these schemes have not delivered the intended political gains. He claimed that the Jeevika loan has created discontent rather than goodwill. During a campaign visit to Majholi village, Ram said he found only one woman who had received the loan, while 76 others had not. According to him, the selective distribution had caused frustration not only among women but among their family members as well. Rather than being perceived as empowerment, the loan was seen by households as a burden and a source of uncertainty.

Ram contrasted the NDA’s approach with the Mahagathbandhan’s promises. He pointed to the alliance’s proposed Mai Behan Maan Yojana, under which the coalition has pledged ₹2,500 per month to every household if elected. For senior citizens, he said the Grand Alliance would increase the pension to ₹1,500. These, he insisted, were not loans but entitlements aimed at providing genuine relief. In his assessment, the NDA’s welfare push has “backfired” on Nitish Kumar, eroding trust among segments that have traditionally supported him.

Dalit, Mahadalit and EBC voters: will the Grand Alliance consolidate backward caste support?

Rajesh Kumar Ram, who belongs to the Ravidas community, is regarded as a key Dalit face of the Mahagathbandhan. When questioned about whether he could help secure votes from Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Mahadalits—two critical blocks in Bihar’s political arithmetic—he expressed confidence that the coalition’s outreach was resonating.

He cited Rahul Gandhi’s recently announced charter for EBCs, which includes provisions such as dedicated loans for EBC entrepreneurs and reservations in government contracts. He added that the current government has increasingly relied on contractual labour, which has weakened worker protections. The Mahagathbandhan’s promise to dismantle the contract labour system, he said, directly addresses longstanding demands from EBCs, SCs and STs.

On Mahadalits, Ram offered a candid assessment of political dynamics. He noted that the community comprises 22 sub-castes but questioned whether the government has taken a structured approach to their empowerment. He acknowledged that former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, a senior NDA ally, remains a respected Mahadalit leader but argued that excessive focus on promoting his own family had alienated many within the community. By contrast, Ram positioned himself as a representative of the broader Dalit population, highlighting that the Ravidas community alone accounts for approximately 5 percent of Bihar’s population. According to him, there is now widespread acknowledgment that the community has a prominent leader within the Grand Alliance.

The Jan Suraaj factor: limited impact or emerging variable?

Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, contesting its first assembly election, has been closely watched as a potential disruptor, especially among young voters and communities disillusioned by traditional political formations. When asked whether the new party would dent the Mahagathbandhan’s vote share, Ram dismissed the concern.

He argued that merely fielding Muslim or backward caste candidates cannot fundamentally alter the electoral prospects of established alliances with deep organisational structures. In his view, Jan Suraaj might attract voters who would otherwise opt for NOTA (None of the Above), but it is unlikely to significantly affect the Grand Alliance’s support base.

At the same time, he acknowledged indirectly that the political landscape in Bihar has become more fluid, with new entrants potentially reshaping turnout patterns in some constituencies. However, his overarching message remained that Jan Suraaj is not a major threat to the coalition.

NDA’s “jungle raj” narrative: politics of fear or counterproductive rhetoric?

The NDA has revived its long-standing allegation that a Mahagathbandhan victory would return Bihar to the era of “jungle raj”—a term used to describe lawlessness and instability attributed to earlier governments. Rajesh Kumar Ram rejected this narrative outright, calling it a fear-based campaign tactic that no longer resonates with voters.

He argued that voters are more focused on current governance failures than on historical comparisons. According to him, there is widespread anti-incumbency against Nitish Kumar due to issues ranging from unemployment and poor infrastructure to dissatisfaction with welfare delivery. He insisted that the NDA is using “false allegations” to divert attention from its performance and that fear-driven messaging cannot overcome public frustration with the current administration.

Ram maintained that the Mahagathbandhan has built a forward-looking campaign centred on development, welfare expansion and economic justice, contrasting it with what he described as the NDA’s negative and defensive posture.

Bihar’s political battleground: shifting alliances and unpredictable outcomes

As Bihar nears the conclusion of its election cycle, the stakes are high for both alliances. For the Mahagathbandhan, consolidating backward caste groups—including EBCs, Dalits, and Mahadalits—is crucial for securing a winning edge. For the NDA, retaining its women voters, endorsements from OBC groups, and the image of governance stability remain key strengths.

Rajesh Kumar Ram’s remarks underscore the Grand Alliance’s strategy: challenge the credibility of the NDA’s welfare schemes, frame Nitish Kumar’s governance record as inadequate, build a broad coalition of marginalised communities, and deflect emerging political challengers like Jan Suraaj. At the same time, the NDA is working to reinforce its narrative of stability and highlight the risks of a return to earlier political eras.

As the final round of voting approaches, both camps are intensifying rallies, grassroots outreach and targeted messaging. The outcome will likely hinge on the interplay of welfare expectations, caste dynamics, anti-incumbency sentiment and the ability of each alliance to mobilise supporters in the closing hours of the campaign.

If needed, I can also prepare a shorter 600-word political analysis, a profile of Rajesh Kumar Ram, or a comparison of NDA and Mahagathbandhan welfare promises.