Lalu Yadav's Brainchild "Bhurabal" Back. How It Can Affect Bihar Polls
The old acronym "Bhurabal" - literally meaning "brown hair" - has once again surfaced in Bihar, taking centrestage in political discussions ahead of the state's assembly election.
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- From: India News Bull
Patna:
Bihar's political discourse is witnessing the revival of the controversial acronym "Bhurabal" as the state approaches its assembly election. This term, which literally translates to "brown hair," was reportedly created by Lalu Yadav during the 1990s. It cleverly combines the first letters of Bihar's four dominant upper castes – Bhumihar (landowners), Rajput, Brahmin, and Lala (upper caste Kayasthas), the latter traditionally holding significant positions in professional sectors and government administration.
These upper castes constitute approximately 15-16 percent of Bihar's population and historically wielded considerable political influence. Until the 1990s, their coalition ensured they maintained some political power even during Congress party's extended governance periods.
The political landscape transformed dramatically in the 1990s when Mandal politics and social justice movements gained prominence, fracturing the previously unified upper caste voting bloc.
During the subsequent political dominance of Lalu Yadav and later Nitish Kumar, a powerful alliance of backward castes, Dalits, and minorities reshaped Bihar's power structure.
The rallying cry "Bhura bal saaf karo" (Clean up Brown hair) was attributed to Lalu Yadav, serving as a mobilization call for the state's historically marginalized communities. However, Lalu Yadav and his party have consistently denied creating this slogan.
Recently, former MP Anand Mohan stirred controversy by declaring that "Bhurabal will decide whose government will be formed."
His statement drew criticism from both opposition and ruling coalition leaders, who accused him of promoting casteist politics.
Anand Mohan's Timing
Since his release from prison, Anand Mohan, who positions himself as a representative of upper caste interests, has remained politically active. Many view his recent statement as deliberately stoking caste tensions during election season in an effort to unify upper caste voters.
Interestingly, BJP's Sushil Modi had earlier revived the term after Tejashwi Yadav referred to his father as "Babu Saheb." Modi posted on X that RJD's political agenda has always centered on "eliminating Bhurabal."
"The RJD has made an objectionable remark against forward castes in its rally at Rohtas. The RJD had also opposed the 10 per cent reservation for the upper caste poor... Their politics has been about eliminating Bhu-Ra-Ba-L... They again want to divide Bihar on the basis of caste," his post read.
"Casteist" Jibes
Anand Mohan's controversial statement has faced criticism from across the political spectrum. Grand Alliance leaders condemn it as promoting casteism at a time when voters are increasingly focused on development and employment rather than caste identity.
Even within the NDA, many leaders are distancing themselves from the statement, recognizing that their coalition depends on a broad social alliance extending beyond just upper caste support.
Leaders of smaller political parties have characterized the statement as an "attempt to bring back the politics of the '90s."
Possible Impact
While caste dynamics remain deeply embedded in rural Bihar, the "Bhurabal" rhetoric may potentially unify Bhumihar, Rajput, Brahmin, and Kayastha voters to some degree.
However, upper caste votes alone cannot secure electoral victory for any alliance. Though Bhurabal groups have significant influence in North Bihar, Tirhut, and parts of Mithila, winning statewide requires support from backward castes, Dalits, and minority communities.
Additionally, this appeal is unlikely to resonate with younger, urban voters whose priorities center on education, employment opportunities, infrastructure, and economic advancement.
The Grand Alliance will likely attempt to leverage this situation, presenting it to voters as evidence of "casteist politics practiced by the BJP and its allies."