Understanding people’s Electoral Behaviour: A case study of Imamganj Constituency, Gaya, Bihar

Abstract

Bihar played a critical role in Dalit and Other Backward Class (OBC) political mobilization, with electoral politics dominated significantly by caste dynamics.  The study emphasized on Gaya district, and more so Imamganj, a reserved constituency, as its case study to gain further insight into the sociopolitical and historical context that shapes contemporary political participation. Gaya, located 100 kilometers south of Patna, has historical and religious significance, with strong ties to Hinduism and Buddhism.  It has played an important role in Indian political history from the Mauryan Empire to the Indian independence movement and the JP movement for Total Revolution.  The district’s sacred areas and historical legacy have had an impact on Bihar’s sociocultural structure. Imamganj is a Backward Constituency of Gaya which indicates the political aspirations of the marginalized sections. In this constituency, marginalized sections such as Dalits and OBCs have gained experience in political representation and engagement. To increase their support among the impoverished, several political parties have used the area as a battlefield.