Role of Caste Identities in Shaping Democratic Processes in Madhubani District of Bihar

Abstract

The present study examines the role of caste identities in shaping democratic processes in Madhubani district of Bihar, a region deeply embedded in the Mithila cultural landscape where caste-based social hierarchies continue to influence political behaviour. The primary objectives of this research are to analyze the extent to which caste identities determine voting patterns and to assess caste-based representation in electoral politics within Madhubani district. The study employs a descriptive-analytical research design, utilizing secondary data sourced from the Election Commission of India, Census of India 2011, and published scholarly literature. The hypothesis posits that caste identities significantly determine voter preferences and candidate selection processes in Madhubani. The findings reveal that caste remains a decisive variable in electoral mobilization, candidate nomination, and alliance formation. Upper castes, OBCs, and Scheduled Castes demonstrate distinct voting alignments linked to specific political parties. The discussion highlights that while developmental narratives have gained some traction, caste arithmetic continues to dominate seat-level electoral strategies. The study concludes that democratic processes in Madhubani are substantially mediated through caste identities, necessitating policy interventions that promote issue-based political engagement over identity-driven mobilization.