Why Did Rajnath Singh Really Go to Patna? The BJP’s Big Rajput Gamble
Let’s Break This Down
So Rajnath Singh just popped into Patna last week—and suddenly everyone’s talking about Bihar’s 2025 elections. Here’s the thing: when the Defence Minister, who also happens to be one of BJP’s top Rajput leaders, makes a trip like this, it’s never just a casual visit. Is the BJP trying to lock down Rajput votes? Or are they playing 4D chess to mess with Lalu’s RJD? Honestly, in Bihar’s messy caste politics, it’s probably both.
Who Exactly Are Bihar’s Rajputs?
They’re not the biggest group—maybe 5-6% of the population—but man, do they punch above their weight. Think Rohtas, Buxar, Kaimur: about 40 seats where Rajputs call the shots. Funny thing is, they’ve been flip-flopping between BJP and regional parties for years. The BJP acts like they own this vote bank, but then Lalu—yeah, that Lalu—somehow convinced a chunk of Rajputs to back him. Mind-blowing, right? Now you’ve got guys like BJP’s Nityanand Rai and RJD’s Jagdanand Singh basically playing tug-of-war with the whole community.
What Went Down During the Visit
Rajnath didn’t just show up for samosas. He went straight to a Rajput gathering talking about “protecting pride and heritage”—which, let’s be real, is political code for “we’re on your side.” Smart moves: brought up Article 370 (Rajputs have wanted that gone forever) and schemes for ex-servicemen (lots of Rajputs in the military). Opposition’s crying “caste politics,” but BJP guys I spoke to basically winked and said, “Yeah, obviously. 2025’s coming.”
The BJP’s Rajput Game Plan
Here’s how the math works: in 2020, about 65% of Rajputs voted BJP. Good, but not great—and recent by-elections showed some cracks in the armor. So now they’re throwing everything at this: new young Rajput candidates, highlighting central schemes in Rajput areas, the whole nine yards. They need to win at least 25 tight races where Rajputs could swing things. But here’s the catch—if they push too hard, they risk looking like an “upper caste party” again. And in Bihar, that’s dangerous.
The RJD Problem No One Saw Coming
This is wild: in 2020, despite Lalu’s famous MY (Muslim-Yadav) strategy, about 30% of Rajputs still voted RJD. Freaked the BJP out completely. Now with RJD teaming up with Left parties—who keep talking about land reforms—many Rajput landowners are getting nervous. Rajnath’s visit? Basically the BJP saying, “Hey, we’re your safe space.” Clever, but will it work? Younger Rajputs especially don’t care as much about caste identity these days.
What Politicians and Pundits Are Saying
RJD’s out here calling it “a desperate move by a failing government”—standard opposition talk. But this one analyst, Ajay Kumar, nailed it: “BJP doesn’t just want 2025 votes. They want to break RJD’s occasional magic mix of upper OBCs, Dalits and Rajputs forever.” Meanwhile #RajputWithBJP’s trending, but ground reports say the community’s split. Some older folks are all in, but the kids? Not so much.
What Happens Next?
This could change everything. If BJP pulls it off, RJD might panic and put up too many Rajput candidates—which could piss off their Yadav base. But if BJP screws up? They’ll look like the “Brahmin-Baniya-Rajput party” again, and in Bihar, that’s a death sentence. Keep an eye on upcoming by-elections in Rajput-heavy areas. That’ll be the first real test.
The Bottom Line
Rajnath’s visit wasn’t just about photos and speeches. It’s a two-part strategy: shore up the Rajput base while poking at RJD’s weak spots. Will it work? Depends on whether BJP can talk caste without looking like they’re only about caste. And whether RJD can counter this without losing their core voters. One thing’s for sure—in Bihar’s crazy caste politics, nobody’s votes are safe forever.
Source: News18 Hindi – Nation
