India, Nov. 8 -- Bihar is an acknowledged hub of backward classes due to its high population percentage of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), which together cobble up over 60% of the state's population.

This demographic reality has made caste-based politics, social movements for OBC solidarity, and government welfare schemes for these groups, a central feature of the state's history and present.

Yet, a close look at the distribution of tickets for the ongoing assembly elections in Bihar by major political parties in the state would suggest that upper caste candidates, practically marginalised since the advent of Mandal politics three decades ago, have staged a comeback of sorts.

"Backward caste politic...