... Caste as a factor once again seems sure to play a key role in Bihar if the recent developments are any indication.

The most significant developments in this regard are the initiatives of several communities which seek a larger share in mainstream politics. Besides, individual leaders too are desperate in this connection for personal gains, but the fact remains that the elections have seen the return of caste meetings and rallies ... Not to be left behind, political parties too are vying with one another in their own ways.

... A battle between the RJD and the Samata, an ally of the BJP, is on for the Koeri votes ...

The RJD's prime objective would be to keep the minorities in good humour and on the eve of the elections the Bihar Government has announced its decision to appoint 15,000 Urdu teachers. It intends to fulfil a promise it had made during the 1995 Assembly elections and this is expected to cast the Exchequer about Rs.600 crores. The BJP is roping in the maverick Anand Mohan Singh, to entice the Rajputs, a section of which still supports the RJD ... The recent killings in Central Bihar seems to have triggered a backward consolidation it was also a boon to the BJP in the sense that it brought back the upper caste Bhumihars to its fold. ...

The BJP ... might have received a set back with the exit of the Governor, S.S. Bhandari, (who) had been instrumental in mobilising the Marwaris as a whole ... The Banias have been more vocal in their stand ... They demanded as many as 85 seats for the community in a House of 324. (Source:, The Hindu, 5 June, 1999)