Political activity is intensifying ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, and in this vein, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a major announcement from the Red Fort on August 15th. In his Independence Day address, PM Modi said that the government would celebrate the bicentenary of 19th-century social reformer Jyotiba Phule with great fanfare.
New Delhi: Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have made a significant political move. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Modi announced the celebration of social reformer Jyotiba Phule's 200th birth anniversary at the national level.
This is being considered not only a decision of historical importance but also a political strategy aimed directly at wooing OBC (Other Backward Classes) voters.
Grand Celebration of Jyotiba Phule's 200th Birth Anniversary
PM Modi said in his address: "In the times to come, we will celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of the great social reformer Jyotiba Phule across the country. Phule's principles and the mantra of 'priority to the backward' are an inspiration for us." Phule is known for his fight against casteism and his support for women's education. His wife, Savitribai Phule, is considered a pioneer of women's education.
This decision by the Modi government is not only an initiative towards social justice but also an attempt to appease the OBC community from a political perspective. Jyotiba Phule belonged to the Mali caste, which is associated with intermediate castes like Kushwaha and Koiri in Bihar and North India. This class plays a decisive role in Bihar's politics.
Political analysts believe that by making Phule's birth anniversary a national festival, the BJP has given a clear signal that the party's focus is on the OBC vote bank. This is the same class that has played a major role in Bihar's politics for a long time.
Modi's Message: 'Priority to the Backward'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his government is prioritizing backward and underprivileged sections through transparent policies. He clarified: "Whether they are Dalits, victims, exploited, or deprived, the government should be pro-people for them. Our plans are being implemented not only on paper but also on the ground."
Modi also said that his government emphasizes 'Saturation,' meaning that the benefit of any scheme should reach every eligible person and no one in need should be left behind.
Electoral Strategy and OBC Equation
With the Assembly elections in Bihar approaching, this initiative by the BJP is being seen not just as a cultural program but as an electoral strategy.
- The participation of OBCs is extremely important in Bihar's politics.
- Phule's influence is especially on those castes that have been associated with agriculture and horticulture.
- The support of these castes can be decisive in the elections.
The BJP has previously adopted a strategy of associating itself with the legacy of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. The announcement to celebrate Phule's birth anniversary is the next link in that chain. Modi also said that his government not only announces schemes but also works to ensure their impact. He described it as the 'real form of social justice.'
