The Kurmi caste is one of the most influential backward castes in Bihar politics. Kurmis have produced several top political leaders who have risen to positions of power in the state government as well as in national politics. This article discusses the 10 most powerful Kurmi politicians from Bihar.
Introduction
The Kurmi community constitutes around 3-4% of Bihar's population. They have been able to wield influence far greater than their numbers would suggest because Kurmi politicians have repeatedly played kingmaker roles in the power politics of the state.
Several Chief Ministers of Bihar have come from the Kurmi caste over the years. Other powerful leaders from the community have held key cabinet posts like finance, excise and prohibition, education, public works department etc. This allows them to control vital resources and patronage networks.
Here is a look at 10 such influential Kurmi caste leaders who have left a lasting impact on Bihar's political landscape.
1. Nitish Kumar
The current and longest serving Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar is undoubtedly the most powerful Kurmi leader not just in Bihar but the country. He has dominated state politics for over 15 years now through his party - the Janata Dal (United).
Nitish Kumar has positioned himself as a development icon, instituting policies like bicycles and uniforms for school girls, and clipping the wings of the landed upper castes who used to control Bihar. His base among women, EBCs and Mahadalits helped him win successive terms.
Due to his image as Vikas Purush, Nitish Kumar is the undisputed kingpin of the ruling NDA alliance in Bihar. Even with just 43 MLAs, he retains a tight grip on power due to his acumen, goodwill and Kurmi voter base.
2. Jitan Ram Manjhi
A former Chief Minister of Bihar, Jitan Ram Manjhi has emerged as a prominent Dalit face of the state representing the Musahar community. Even though he was a political lightweight earlier, Nitish Kumar elevated him to the CM chair in 2014 to strengthen the Mahadalit support base.
However, differences with Kumar led Manjhi to quit JD(U). He later founded the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) party to contest on his own.
With around 4-6% vote share, Manjhi has significant influence among Mahadalits. His HAM(S) party allied with the ruling NDA in 2020 Bihar elections and Manjhi currently serves as a minister in Nitish Kumar’s cabinet - showing his enduring clout.
3. Mukesh Sahni
A rising star in Bihar politics, Mukesh Sahni is the founder of Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) which claims to represent the Nishad (fishermen) community. Sahni, who is fondly called the 'Son of Mallah', has been able to project himself as a leader of the most backward communities.
Starting from humble beginnings, Sahni has now become influential enough to win 4 MLA seats in 2020 Bihar elections. His VIP party is also part of Nitish Kumar’s ruling coalition, and Sahni serves as Minister for Animal Husbandry & Fisheries - clearly signalling his growing stature.
4. Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav
A senior RJD leader, Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav has held many important positions due to his proximity to party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav. He has served as Union Minister as well as cabinet minister in Bihar governments when RJD was in power.
Even today when RJD is in opposition, Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav continues to have significant clout due to respect within the party cadre. He represents the traditional loyal Yadav-Kurmi Muslim voter base that forms the foundation for RJD’s politics.
5. Santosh Kumar Suman
Santosh Suman is a second generation Kurmi leader who represents Mahadalit politics in Bihar. Currently serving as an MLC and spokesperson for JD(U), he is the son of former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.
After his father resigned from JD(U) in 2015, Santosh Suman chose to stay back and continue representing Musahars within Nitish Kumar’s party. His elevation shows that JD(U) wants to groom young Kurmi faces to retain the Mahadalit support base.
6. Sunil Kumar Pandey
Sunil Pandey has emerged as one of the shrewdest Kurmi leaders within the JD(U). He currently serves as the party’s state general secretary (organization). Earlier he was also the state president of JD(U).
Sunil Pandey is powerful within the party because he has Nitish Kumar’s ears and full confidence. His inputs are vital in organizational revamp, ticket distribution, managing MLAs etc. Pandey’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering has prevented many internal mutinies over the years.
7. Ashok Choudhary
A four time MLA, Ashok Choudhary has been associated with the Congress party earlier before switching to RJD. However, before 2020 state elections, he joined JD(U) becoming part of Nitish Kumar’s bandwagon.
In the newly formed Bihar cabinet, Ashok Choudhary has been assigned the high profile education ministry. This shows the clout Choudhary commands and the importance of having a prominent Kurmi face in the JD(U)-BJP alliance ministry.
8. Rama Nand Yadav
Currently serving as MLA from Patna’s Phulwari constituency, Rama Nand Yadav has slowly strengthened his influence among the Kurmi voter base at the grassroots level.
Earlier he has held positions like Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president and state industry minister when Congress was part of the ruling coalition.
Rama Nand Yadav retains traction due to his long stints in public life which helps him assert leadership over the Kurmi community in Patna district.
9. Ratnesh Sada
Ratnesh Sada is the sitting MLA from Sonbarsa and one of the Kurmi cast leaders trusted by CM Nitish Kumar. Having won in 2005, 2010 and 2020 from the same seat points to the strong regional connections Sada commands.
In his political career so far, Ratnesh Sada has held organisational posts like heading Bihar State Food Corporation as well as served as state labour minister between 2010-2013 under the JD(U) government.
10. Rajiv Ranjan Singh
Another powerful leader within the JD(U), Rajiv Ranjan Singh is currently the national president of the party. Earlier he has been president of the state unit showing the complete faith Nitish Kumar has in his abilities.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh started his political career with a stint in the Janata Party before joining JD(U) in 2003. Elevating a Kurmi leader to the top organisational post indicates that Nitish wants to empower middle caste leaders.
Conclusion
The Kurmi caste has leveraged its 3-4% population and middle peasant status in Bihar to gain political salience way beyond its numbers. As Nitish Kumar's grip over power depends greatly on Kurmi support base, the community is well represented through leaders like Rajiv Ranjan Singh in top posts.
But apart from just JD(U), Kurmi politicians have spread their influence across all major regional parties - whether RJD, HAM or VIP. By making alliances, they have maintained the kingmaker position. The rise of Mukesh Sahni also shows that Nishads are emulating the Kurmi consolidation strategy.
Thus Kurmis continue to be at the heart of Bihar’s power politics due to leaders like Nitish Kumar, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav and others. Regional aspirations ensures that their prominence is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
