The electoral scene in Bihar is heating up. The bold moves by Chirag Paswan have become the talk of the town. Recently, his party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), staked a claim for 30 assembly seats. Chirag's latest decision has added to the political fervor, hinting at contesting in the assembly elections which might benefit the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Chirag Paswan's party has passed a proposal for him to contest the elections. He is seen as a strong contender for the Chief Minister position, especially post Nitish Kumar. Despite being a central minister, Chirag has plans that seem to go beyond just holding a ministerial position in Bihar. What drives Chirag's strategy?
What is Chirag's plan behind contesting the Bihar elections?
As a central minister empowered and influential, Chirag’s intention in the Bihar Assembly contest likely aims at solidifying his political base in Bihar, as it's central to his political career. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) often pushes central ministers to face state elections, as seen in states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. In the 2020 Bihar elections, Chirag’s party returned with no seats. His personal involvement in the elections this time might be a strategic move to garner some wins for LJP(R).
According to senior journalist Omprakash Ashk, political maneuvers might seem akin to stacking up bargaining power rather than having permanent allies or foes. Chirag aims to win a few seats to bolster his influence, especially amidst the uncertainty surrounding Nitish Kumar's political future. Chirag’s campaign, chanting slogans like 'Bihar First, Bihari First', strives to maintain his presence on Bihar's political turf. The political landscape is full of surprises, and Chirag sees potential in the ambiguity surrounding Nitish's political journey.
Is Chirag searching for the key to power?
The 2005 Bihar elections were held twice, with indecisive results the first time. Chirag's father, Ram Vilas Paswan, was a cabinet minister in the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) located at the center. Despite being a coalition partner, LJP contested alone, bagging 29 seats and emerging as kingmaker, although ultimately NDA formed a government of uncertainty led under Nitish Kumar. Here too, Chirag may look for that elusive key his father once held.
Will Chirag echo the 20-year-old saga?
Chirag Paswan's recent moves recall the 2020 Bihar elections. Then, as LJP's president, they demanded 30 seats. Not reaching a consensus led LJP to contest independently in 137 constituencies, clashing mostly with JDU’s strongholds — a reminiscence of a saga from two decades ago.
Chirag's party pursued an independent path in 2020
Even as party president in 2020, Chirag's LJP was part of NDA, though not yet a central minister. It parallels to history 20 years ago when his father, as a central minister in UPA, led an independent election campaign for LJP in Bihar, unable to back RJD effectively. LLP then missed tasting power without Nitish Kumar’s alliance, and Chirag seeks to alter this legacy.
Is Chirag poised to repeat his father's storied history for the NDA?
