Nitin Nabin...not just the name, the line drawn by PM Modi which is changing the political picture

New Delhi. The population of Kayastha caste in Bihar is only 0.6 percent, yet BJP handed over the responsibility of National Working President to a Kayastha youth leader Nitin Nabin. This step rises above caste equations and gives a strong message. PM Narendra Modi’s vision has always been the same – to break the walls of caste and give priority to merit and dedication. In the eyes of experts, the rise of Nitin Nabin is a symbol of this thinking which challenges the opposition parties trapped in the maze of caste politics. This appointment is not just a promotion, but a line drawn by Modi that can change the political narrative forever – where the big vision is respected rather than the vote bank.

caste census of bihar

According to the recent caste census report of Bihar government, the population of Kayastha community is only 0.6 percent of the total population of 13 crores and the population participation is about 7.8 lakhs. However, many Kayastha organizations call this figure misleading. On the other hand, experts say that this figure seems small on the surface, but in the historical context, the influence of Kayasthas has always been extraordinary. They have a strong hold in the administrative and intellectual fields which acts more as an ‘influence bank’ than a vote bank. Kayasthas in Bihar have contributed from freedom struggle to modern politics. The selection of Nitin Nabin also recognizes this influence.

PM Modi’s vision is clear

PM Modi’s political vision has always been based on national unity, where caste should be made a ‘bridge builder’ instead of a ‘vote divider’. Even if the population is less but the qualifications are high, merit should be made the criterion instead of caste as a balancing factor. This step of PM Modi clearly challenges the caste-centric politics of Bihar where political parties make their strategies considering the population of communities like Yadav (14.26%), Kushwaha (4.21%) and Bhumihar (2.87%). This step of PM Modi shows that BJP’s ‘social justice’ is linked to the rise of Antyodaya as well as the policy of respecting merit.

BJP challenges caste politics by making Nitin Nabin its president

strategic importance more than numbers

The population of Kayasthas is limited in the major states of India, but the community holds immense strategic importance. In Bihar the number is said to be around 8 crores with about 0.6 percent population. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, out of a population of about 24 crore, the number of Kayasthas is about 19.71 lakh, which is 0.8 percent of the total. But, at the same time, the fact is that it is very effective especially in urban areas like Lucknow and Kanpur. Similarly, in the 10 crore population of West Bengal, it is 2.7 million i.e. 2.7%, in the 2 crore population of Delhi, the percentage of Kayasthas is estimated at 2-3%. The special thing is that he has a strong hold on the bureaucracy of the national capital.

It’s not a caste card, it’s a matter of ability.

About 5-6 lakh i.e. 0.7% of the 8 crore population of Madhya Pradesh, 2-3 lakh of the 12 crore population of Maharashtra and 0.2% of the population of Punjab are estimated to be less than 0.5% of the 3 crore population. At the same time, population in Assam is said to be 6.95 lakh which is 2.2%. These figures show that at the national level the total population is estimated to be between 3 to 4 crores, about 2 percent. It is clear that the vote bank of Kayasthas is very small. Now the question is why BJP is placing such a big bet on such a small population group. Actually, this is the point where PM Modi is seen drawing a big line.

PM Modi’s message is clear!

Actually, the influence of Kayastha population is spread among the urban, educated and influential classes. It is said that if any class has preserved the legacy of intellectuals, it is this community. When issues like caste census are emerging, BJP will make caste a ‘unifier’ instead of a ‘divider’. Nitin Nabin’s selection strengthens the UP-Bihar alliance where Kayastha voters can influence other castes. Soft power beyond numbers: In caste politics, the vote bank of Kayasthas depends more on ‘soft influence’ than ‘hard numbers’.

The game changed with the entry of Nitin Nabin

Despite being 0.6% in Bihar, people of this class have an estimated 6.68% representation in government jobs, which is a proof of their education, qualification and ability. Kayasthas, who constitute 0.8% of the population in Uttar Pradesh, have a huge influence in IAS/IPS. The 2.7% Kayastha voters in West Bengal attract both TMC and BJP, while their urban middle class base in Delhi connects directly to Modi’s ‘aspirational politics’. In states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, even when their numbers were less, they played the role of ‘swing voters’. PM Modi’s view is that the vote bank should not be measured by caste but by their qualifications. The rise of Nitin Nabin shows that BJP has given, is giving and will continue to give ‘face’ to small but influential communities.

BJP made Nitin Nabin the national working president, PM Narendra Modi put merit above caste.

Message amidst caste politics

Indian politics is trapped in the maze of caste. RJD in Bihar on Yadav-Muslim, SP in UP on Yadav-Muslim and TMC in WB on Bengali identity. In such a situation, the selection of Nitin Nabin hits three birds with one stone. PM Modi’s approach has been ‘Sabka Saath’, which has been claiming ‘caste-free’ politics since 2014. By choosing the low population of Kayasthas, Modi is saying – we do not look at numbers, but at potential. This is also a kind of challenge to the opposition which is stuck on caste based politics, whereas BJP has made it clear that it will focus on development, governance and inclusivity. Nitin Nabin’s background of reaching the National Working President after being an MLA from BJP Yuva Morcha and a Minister in Bihar Government also gives concrete shape to PM Modi’s thinking of ‘youth energy’.

Modi’s streak will change the narrative!

In fact, Nitin Nabin is not just a name but a symbol of Modi’s strategic thinking, because Nitin Nabin is the big line of Modi moving from ‘caste to casteless politics’ which has the power to change the narrative. 45 year old Nitin Nabin proved that hard work is above caste by being MLA for five times in Bihar. His appointment mirrors caste politics. PM Modi’s message is to unite India’s diversity, not spread division. Experts are saying that if the opposition understands this then it might change its strategy; Otherwise, this big line drawn by PM Modi has definitely created a new history.