JDU to honour Ramphal Mandal, targeting decisive EBC vote bank consolidation.
New Delhi: The Janata Dal (United) is preparing to organise a large-scale event in Jhanjharpur on August 23 as part of its bid to strengthen its support base among the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) in the run-up to the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for October–November 2025.
The programme will commemorate the death anniversary of Amar Shaheed Ramphal Mandal, a distinguished hero of the Quit India Movement, and will serve as a platform to bring together the Pachpania community. Significantly, through this event, the JDU seeks to court the Pachpania group, which comprises castes such as Dhanuk, Kewat, Amat, Tanti, Chaupal, and Nonia. Given that EBCs constitute around 36% of Bihar’s total population, their electoral influence is considerable and often decisive in determining poll outcomes.
Speaking to The Sunday Guardian, a senior JDU leader remarked, “This programme is equally about paying homage to a martyr and about reinforcing the faith of EBC communities in the NDA.” He continued, “The Pachpania community places its trust in Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi. Through this event, we aim to send a strong and clear message that we are firmly aligned with the NDA leadership.”
He also pointed out that the programme will be attended by prominent EBC leaders, including JDU Working President Sanjay Jha and Union Minister of State Ramnath Thakur, among others. The party will additionally use the platform to underscore the developmental initiatives launched by the Nitish Kumar-led state government and the Union government for the welfare and upliftment of EBC communities.
Political observers who follow Bihar’s politics closely see the August 23 event as a strategic component of the JDU’s larger plan to strengthen its grip on the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) vote bank, which makes up a decisive 36% of Bihar’s electorate. They note that hosting such a grand, symbolic programme in Jhanjharpur—built around the respected legacy of Amar Shaheed Ramphal Mandal—is aimed not only at stirring emotional pride within the Pachpania community but also at reinforcing the JDU’s image as the leading advocate for EBC interests.
Experts further emphasise that the timing, just weeks ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections slated for October–November, carries considerable political weight. The gathering is expected to act as a strong visual display of the NDA’s outreach, unity, and dedication to improving the lives of marginalised communities.
While honouring a freedom fighter remains its core purpose, the event also serves as a strategic mobilisation platform, signalling to voters and rivals alike that the NDA is determined to protect, consolidate, and expand its EBC support base in the run-up to the polls.
Ramphal Mandal, a native of Bajpatti in Sitamarhi, was a key figure in the 1942 Quit India Movement. After a British firing in Sitamarhi killed civilians, including women and children, he avenged the incident by killing the SDO and two soldiers responsible. Arrested soon after, he declared he was ready to die for India’s independence. At just 19 years and 17 days old, he was hanged in Bhagalpur Central Jail on August 23, 1943, embracing the noose with pride. Three years ago, CM Nitish Kumar unveiled his statue, and the BJP has since sought martyr status for him.
