With NDA, Against NDA: What Does Chirag Paswan Want in Bihar?

Chirag Paswan announced from Ara that he will contest the Bihar elections, reiterating his intention to contest all seats in Saran. What exactly is Chirag Paswan aiming for as he makes bold statements in BJP strongholds?
Union Minister Chirag Paswan (File Photo)

Source: aajtak

As the Bihar Assembly elections are anticipated to be held in October-November, both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan are in a race to demonstrate unity. In opposition, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), parties like Congress, Vikasheel Insaan Party, and the Left parties showcased their solidarity by organizing a Bihar bandh and taking to the streets to protest a revision in the voter list. Meanwhile, in the NDA camp, Chirag Paswan's aggressive stance has been rattling Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United).

Union Minister and leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Chirag Paswan, has repeatedly declared his intention to contest all 243 assembly seats in Bihar. Addressing the Nav Sankalp Maha Sabha in Ara recently, Chirag stated that their alliance is solely with the people of Bihar, not political parties, and they intend to contest all 243 seats. In his visit to Saran, Chirag reiterated his declaration.

Chirag further announced from the grounds of Saran his intent to contest and brought up the Gopal Khemka murder case, questioning the administration's role. While he asserts his candidacy for all 243 seats, Chirag simultaneously challenges the administration on law and order issues.

Chirag Paswan addressing the Bahujan Bheem Sankalp Samagam in Rajgir (Photo: PTI)

Source: aajtak

What's noteworthy is that Chirag is making these speeches in BJP strongholds where his party has no existing base, prompting questions about his real intentions. Seat sharing negotiations and broader political strategies could be reasons behind Chirag's movements.

Chirag and his party have potential claims of 60, sometimes 40 seats out of Bihar's 243. Reports suggest they might settle for 33 to 35 seats. However, the challenge remains on what basis even 30 seats might be allocated to Chirag's party.

Though the Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas) won all its five constituencies in the last Lok Sabha elections, it has no representation in the assembly. Understanding the pressure politics may be necessary to secure a significant number of seats could explain Chirag's maneuvers.

Strategy to Pressure JD(U)

As a minister in the BJP-led central government, Chirag Paswan didn't criticize BJP in the 2020 elections when he parted ways with NDA and contested alone, maintaining his stance as a devout follower of PM Modi. The easier target remained JD(U).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with Chirag Paswan on stage.

Source: aajtak

Chirag's insistence on contesting all 243 seats is seen as a strategy to exert pressure on JD(U). In past elections, his party was detrimental to JD(U)s chances on 33 seats. Additionally, LJP(R) is claiming several seats where they were runners-up last time, with JD(U) securing the wins.

Why Active in BJP Strongholds?

Active in the Bhojpuri belt, considered a BJP stronghold in Bihar, Chirag Paswan's engagements in places like Ara and Saran raise questions. Chirag, whose party currently holds no sway there, aims to expand his party's influence.

Preparing for the present while strategizing for the future, Chirag is eyeing these regions where in the last election, BJP's performance weakened. In Bhojpur district, BJP won two of seven seats, while JD(U) won one. The remaining four were won by the Mahagathbandhan.

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In Saran, with its ten assembly seats, BJP won three in the 2020 election, with the remaining seven going to the Mahagathbandhan. Chirag's focus on regions without a party base suggests a strategy to message BJP about future electoral plans while laying political groundwork for LJP(R).

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