Chirag Paswan, leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), is often accused of indirectly harming the JDU during the 2020 Bihar elections by cutting into their votes. However, this time Chirag's stance regarding Nitish Kumar seems to have shifted significantly.
Chirag mentioned that his party, as well as Nitish Kumar's party, understand the importance of not allowing internal strife to benefit the opposition in securing PM Modi's third term in office. He asserted that at present, all NDA allies in Bihar stand united with the singular mission of ensuring all 40 Lok Sabha seats for the coalition.
In conversation with PTI, Chirag expressed shock at the betrayal by his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras and cousin Prince Raj. He quashed rumors about exploring possibilities with the RJD before the BJP announced its alliance for the Lok Sabha elections, though he acknowledged his good personal relations with Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Prasad.
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Strong Unity Within NDA in Bihar
Chirag emphasized, 'The first lesson I learned as a student of politics is to place national interests above party or personal interests. Narendra Modi's third term is vital to assure national interests. We possess the maturity and JDU also understands we can't permit the opposition to exploit any internal discord within the NDA.'
Chirag expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and all NDA allies in the state for their trust in him, affirming that his party will make every effort to win more than 400 seats in the next elections and secure all 40 seats in Bihar. His own constituency, Hajipur, was previously represented by his uncle Pashupati Paras, who recently resigned from the central cabinet over displeasure with the BJP's decision to prioritize his nephew.
Uncle in the Crosshairs
Chirag held, 'Everyone in my party supported my decision to contest the last assembly elections alone, as being offered only 15 seats was humiliating. As I was recovering from the grief of my father's passing, my uncle began to show his true colors with the fear that I might be considered for the vacant cabinet seat following my father's death. He rebelled for his ambitions and resorted to every tactic in defending his act of betrayal. The rifts within our relationship created by his actions are clear and lasting.'
On reconciling with his uncle, Chirag stated it's not only up to him but involves others such as his mother, sisters, and aunt. The possibility of a future reconciliation remains uncertain. He also addressed the taunts received when called PM Modi's Hanuman, stating those who wrote his political obituary have been silenced.
Tejashwi, A Dear Friend
On his relationship with Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav, he said, 'My father and Lalu Prasad Ji were close friends and our parties have contested elections together. Tejashwi is a close friend as well, but politically our parties oppose each other. Personal friendship and politics are two different realms.'
Addressing opposition claims that the central government is trying to mix religion with politics, Paswan stated, 'Religion is a personal matter and should not intersect with politics. It should not be utilized for political gain.'
Also Read: 'No Issues with Nitish Kumar Now, Reconciliation with Uncle Possible...' - Chirag Paswan Clears the Air
Cast Census Details Should Not Be Made Public
On the recent caste survey in Bihar, he stated, 'I am in favor of the caste census but against publicizing the data. The government should use the figures for welfare measures to tackle social inequality but should refrain from making it public to avoid misuse.'
It’s noteworthy that during the seven-phased elections in Bihar, BJP contested 17 seats, JDU 16 seats, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) 5 seats, and former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi’s party HAM (S) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha one each.
