Apart from the Muslim factor, Kumar’s latest social engineering calls for nominating a “Maha Dalit” (Dalit among Dalits) to the Upper House. Party sources said a “Maha Dalit” was sure to be nominated. Further, former top bureaucrat and State Planning Board Deputy Chairman N K Singh is tipped to be the second assured candidate from the JD(U)’s side.

In the upper caste quota, party spokesman Shivanand Tiwary, too, is a strong contender.

Kumar, however, is not in a position to oblige all the strong contenders. On the basis of their strengths in the Assembly, ruling partners JD(U) and BJP are sure to capture two and one seat, respectively, while opposition RJD will get one seat in its kitty. For the fifth seat, a keen contest is on the cards and the JD(U) is eyeing to usurp it with the support of independent MLAs. A sixth seat, with two years left, has also fallen vacant due to the demise of RJD MP Motiur Rehman.