- The survey could trigger a demand for a similar exercise at the national level, as well as in other states, to assess the socio-economic status and representation of various castes and communities in the country¹²³. This could lead to a revision of the existing reservation policies and quotas for different groups, especially the OBCs, who constitute a large and diverse segment of the population⁴⁵.
- The survey could also influence the electoral outcomes and alliances in the upcoming state elections, such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur. The survey has revealed that the OBCs, EBCs and Muslims form a significant majority in Bihar, which could have an impact on the voting patterns and preferences of these groups in other states as well. The survey could also affect the political strategies and calculations of various parties, such as the BJP, Congress, INDIA, SP, BSP, AAP, etc., who may try to woo or appease these groups with different promises and schemes
- The survey could also boost Nitish Kumar's political stature and ambitions at the national level. He could emerge as a potential leader of the anti-BJP front, or even a prime ministerial candidate, by projecting himself as a champion of social justice and empowerment for the OBCs and other backward groups¹²⁴. He could also leverage his caste survey to expand his base and influence in other states, such as Uttar Pradesh, where he may contest the Lok Sabha elections from a Kurmi-dominated constituency¹. He could also seek to revive his alliance with the BJP, or forge new partnerships with other parties, depending on the changing political scenario
These are some of the possible next political steps that could follow Nitish Kumar's caste survey in Bihar. However, these steps may also face some challenges and opposition from various quarters, such as legal hurdles, data limitations, implementation difficulties, social unrest, etc. The caste survey is a complex and contentious issue that may have far-reaching consequences for India's politics and society.