
Wed Sep 24 09:27:41 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**News Article:**
**Caste Remains Dominant Force in Bihar Politics**
**Patna, Bihar** – Caste continues to exert an outsized influence on Bihar’s political landscape, acting as both a guiding principle and a limiting factor for voters, political parties, and policy platforms alike. While providing a framework for understanding political affiliations, the deeply entrenched caste system also reinforces traditional social hierarchies, hindering broader progress. Experts say that in Bihar, no political calculation can ignore caste dynamics, as it remains the primary lens through which many citizens view their political choices. However, this reliance on caste also perpetuates inequalities, creating a complex and often contradictory political environment. The question remains whether Bihar can break free from caste-based politics and forge a new path forward.
**Summary of the original text:**
Caste is a crucial factor in Bihar’s politics, shaping the decisions and allegiances of voters and parties. However, this strong influence also reinforces existing social inequalities and limits progress. In essence, caste serves as both a guide and a constraint in the political arena of Bihar.