Chirag Paswan, the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), has emerged as a significant figure in Indian politics following his party’s impressive performance in the recent Bihar elections. The LJP, under his leadership, secured all five Lok Sabha seats it contested as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) alliance in Bihar. This success has positioned Chirag Paswan as a potential minister in the third Narendra Modi government, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Mr. Paswan, who represents Bihar’s Hajipur constituency, inherits a political legacy marked by his father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, who held the seat a record nine times. The younger Paswan’s journey in politics has been closely intertwined with his father’s guidance, and his current political ascent comes amid significant challenges and transformations within his party.
The passing of Ram Vilas Paswan in 2020 triggered a succession struggle within the LJP, leading to a split between Chirag Paswan and his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras, both laying claim to the veteran leader’s political legacy. This internal discord resulted in a factional divide within the party.
Despite these challenges, Chirag Paswan navigated the complexities of Bihar’s political landscape by launching the “Bihar First, Bihari First” campaign, aimed at forging a deeper connection with the people of Bihar while maintaining the LJP’s alliance with the NDA. His efforts to consolidate support among the Paswan community, a crucial voting bloc in Bihar, garnered attention and recognition from the BJP.
The recent electoral success of the NDA, albeit falling short of a majority, has underscored the significance of coalition partners like Chirag Paswan’s LJP. His role in securing Paswan votes and ensuring coalition stability has earned him recognition within the alliance, leading to speculations about his inclusion as a minister in the Modi government’s third term.
In a statement reflecting on his political journey, Chirag Paswan acknowledged the challenges he faced, including the loss of his father and the party symbol. However, he expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the people of Bihar.
Sources By Agencies
