Betrayal of Bihar’s Mandate: Double-Engine Govt Fails on 65% Reservation Promise

Double-Engine Govt Under Fire for Backtracking on 65% Reservation in Bihar

Jairam Ramesh Slams Nitish-Modi Alliance Over ‘Broken Promise’

In a fresh round of political attacks, Congress leader and senior spokesperson Jairam Ramesh has openly accused the double-engine govt in Bihar of abandoning its commitment to the proposed 65% reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). His sharp criticism has reignited the debate over social justice and caste equity in the state.

The term double-engine govt, often used to describe a state government aligned with the ruling party at the Centre, was initially promoted to suggest efficient governance. However, the recent developments in Bihar suggest a different story—one of stagnation and unmet promises.

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Congress Raises Concerns Over Reservation Stalemate

Jairam Ramesh, during a press conference, pointed out that despite earlier announcements and the Bihar caste survey that provided the foundation for the 65% reservation policy, there has been little to no progress in implementing it. According to him, the double-engine govt has shown a “complete lack of political will,” betraying the mandate and hopes of the backward and marginalized communities in the state.

“The double-engine govt in Bihar has all but given up on the proposed 65% reservation. This is a betrayal of the people’s trust and an outright rejection of the caste survey data that was collected with such effort,” Ramesh declared.

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Background: The Promise of 65% Reservation

In 2023, following the state-wide caste census conducted by the Bihar government, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had promised an increase in reservation quotas to address historic imbalances in representation. The proposed move was to raise the total reservation in jobs and educational institutions to 65%—a significant political commitment aimed at uplifting backward communities.

The announcement was welcomed by social justice activists and many regional leaders, who saw it as a progressive step toward caste equity. However, the subsequent inaction has now triggered widespread disappointment.

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Double-Engine Govt’s Silence Raises Eyebrows

Despite the CM’s promise and the support from alliance partners, the BJP and JD(U) coalition in Bihar—the so-called double-engine govt—has not taken concrete steps to legislate or operationalize the proposal. This lack of movement has led many to believe that the BJP is uncomfortable with the caste-based restructuring of reservation policies, which could alienate certain vote banks.

Ramesh highlighted this strategic silence: “The double-engine govt is trying to quietly bury the issue because it does not align with their larger national narrative. But they cannot run away from their responsibility to the people of Bihar.”

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Political Implications for 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections

As the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections approach, the double-engine govt may find itself cornered by opposition parties raising the banner of caste justice and inclusion. The Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and other regional players are likely to weaponize the issue of unfulfilled reservation promises to rally backward and marginalized communities.

Analysts believe that the reservation debate could become a decisive electoral factor, especially in rural constituencies where caste dynamics play a dominant role. The Congress hopes to capitalize on the perceived failure of the double-engine govt to deliver meaningful social justice reforms.

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Centre’s Role and the Constitutional Roadblocks

While the Bihar government may initiate proposals, implementing a 65% reservation would also require constitutional amendments or legal manoeuvring at the central level. The Supreme Court’s 50% cap on reservations remains a significant hurdle unless special provisions are made.

However, critics argue that the Centre, led by the BJP, has not shown any willingness to amend or revisit these restrictions, further exposing the fault lines in the double-engine governance model.

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Public Reactions and Civil Society Voices

Many civil society groups and student organizations have expressed disillusionment with the current political leadership. The double-engine govt, once seen as a symbol of streamlined development and efficiency, is now being questioned for its lack of inclusivity and socio-economic vision.

Student leader Rakesh Yadav said, “The 65% reservation was a necessary corrective measure. If the double-engine govt can’t deliver on this, then it shows their priorities lie elsewhere.”

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Final Thoughts: A Trust Deficit Grows

The allegation by Jairam Ramesh is not just a routine political barb—it taps into a growing trust deficit between the electorate and the government. The double-engine govt in Bihar, once seen as a model of Centre-state coordination, now faces serious credibility issues over its commitment to social justice.

Whether it is electoral strategy, ideological differences, or sheer political apathy, the fact remains that the promised 65% reservation is nowhere close to reality. For millions in Bihar who were hoping for a more inclusive future, this failure feels personal.

As the political temperature rises, the BJP-JD(U) alliance will have to answer one critical question—has the double-engine govt truly lived up to its promise, or has it derailed the train of progress?