Brahmins Become the New ‘Hotcakes’ of Politics from UP to Bihar

Patna, February 21, 2026: The Brahmin community has once again emerged as a pivotal force in Hindi heartland politics. From Akhilesh Yadav’s “Prabuddh” campaign in Uttar Pradesh to heated debates in the Bihar Assembly, the value of Brahmin votes is increasingly seen as the key to power. Political parties across states are now vying for their support, reflecting the community’s rising influence in elections.

Uttar Pradesh: Brahmin Votes Key to Victory

In Uttar Pradesh, where assembly elections are scheduled for next year, Brahmin votes hold immense sway. The Brahmin population, estimated at 11–13%, forms the largest segment among upper castes and plays a decisive role in over 100 assembly constituencies. Even leaders traditionally focused on Dalit and OBC politics, such as Akhilesh Yadav, are now reaching out to Brahmin voters. The Samajwadi Party has appointed Mata Prasad Pandey as Leader of Opposition and is regularly issuing statements to engage with the community. Past examples, like Mayawati’s rise to power with Brahmin support, underscore the weight this vote bank carries.

Bihar: ‘Brahmin Debate’ in the Assembly

Bihar’s political scene has also seen controversies over the Brahmin community. During a discussion on the UGC Equity Act, CPIML MLA Sandeep Saurabh used the term “Brahmin mindset,” prompting the Speaker, Prem Kumar, to remove the word from the proceedings. Opposition and ruling party MLAs engaged in heated arguments over the term, highlighting the community’s political sensitivity.

Deputy CM Vijay Sinha shared his personal experience of facing discrimination as a Bhumihar Brahmin, recounting harassment during his college days. BJP MLA Mithilesh Tiwari emphasized that the issue is not about Brahminism but discomfort with the Brahmin community, citing their historical and cultural significance.

RJD senior leader Alok Mehta clarified that the term “Brahminism” in the discussion did not target a specific caste but referred to systemic issues affecting multiple communities, aiming to diffuse political tensions.

Why Brahmin Votes Are Highly Sought After

Brahmins are increasingly viewed as ‘silent voters’ and ‘opinion makers’. Political parties believe that securing their support sends a strong message to other social groups. Regional parties are making concentrated efforts to woo this traditionally BJP-leaning segment. In both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, as well as states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, parties are careful not to antagonize Brahmin voters, recognizing their decisive role in elections.

The resurgence of Brahmins as a political “hotcake” highlights a return to the old Congress-era coalition strategy—leveraging alliances among Brahmins, Dalits, and Muslims. Today, regional parties are once again attempting to secure this influential vote bank to reshape the political landscape.