Interplay of Caste Structure and Voting Patterns in Madhubani District of Bihar

Abstract

The present study examines the intricate relationship between caste structure and voting patterns in Madhubani district of Bihar, a region deeply embedded in the Mithila cultural landscape where caste identities have historically shaped electoral outcomes. The primary objectives of this research are to analyze caste-wise demographic composition of Madhubani and its influence on electoral behavior, and to assess party-wise voting trends across assembly constituencies from 2010 to 2020. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical research design employing secondary data from the Census of India 2011 and the Election Commission of India. The hypothesis posits that caste composition significantly determines party preferences and candidate selection in Madhubani district. Results reveal that numerically dominant caste groups such as Yadavs, Brahmins, and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) exhibit distinct party affiliations, with RJD consistently securing OBC-Muslim consolidation while JD(U) and BJP garnered support from upper castes and EBCs. Voter turnout data across three election cycles demonstrates that constituencies with higher SC populations showed different partisan leanings compared to upper-caste dominated areas. The study concludes that despite emerging developmental narratives, caste remains the primary determinant of electoral choice in Madhubani, though inter-caste coalition building has introduced incremental shifts in traditional voting blocs.