With Bihar assembly elections approaching, a political storm is brewing. Chirag Paswan, Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief, is once again targeting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—despite being part of the same alliance, the NDA.
Echoes of 2020
In 2020, Chirag Paswan adopted a similar strategy. Though part of the NDA, he contested against JD(U) candidates, ultimately weakening Nitish Kumar’s position. JD(U)’s seat count dropped drastically—from 71 to 43.
His party, LJP, did not win many seats but played a spoiler, especially in 27 constituencies where its vote share exceeded the margin of JD(U)’s defeat.
This Time, a Minister at Centre
Now in 2025, Chirag is not just a political player—he’s a Union minister. He has pledged to contest all 243 seats in Bihar to “improve the lives of Biharis.” But he continues to slam Nitish Kumar’s governance, particularly on the law and order front.
“How many Biharis will be murdered?” he asked in a recent press conference. “The morale of criminals is sky-high. Police are failing.”
Crime Wave Adds Fuel
Recent high-profile murders in Patna have intensified the heat. The daylight killing of businessman Gopal Khemka and another murder in a hospital, caught on CCTV, have shaken the public. Chirag used these incidents to directly attack Nitish’s administration.
Yet he carefully avoids attacking the BJP—even after meeting with BJP chief JP Nadda hours before making these statements.
BJP’s Silent Nod?
Political observers believe Chirag’s attacks are calibrated. The goal may not be to defeat the NDA, but to cut JD(U) down to size—again. This could help BJP emerge as the dominant force within the alliance.
If seat sharing talks break down, Chirag might again go solo, fielding candidates against JD(U) but not against BJP.
Nitish Kumar on the Edge
Once the undisputed leader of Bihar politics, Nitish Kumar now faces one of the toughest battles of his career. Criticized for flip-flopping and battling health rumors, Nitish risks losing not just seats but his leadership claim within the NDA.
He’s aware that a second poor showing could push BJP to take full control—ending his decades-long dominance.
Paswan’s Endgame
Chirag Paswan may be playing the long game. By keeping ties with the BJP intact while targeting Nitish, he positions himself as a potential kingmaker—or king.
He’s already shown he can shift election outcomes. And now, as a minister with national relevance, his moves carry even more weight.
Conclusion: Calculated Chaos
As election season heats up, Bihar is witnessing the re-emergence of Chirag Paswan as a disruptive force. His public criticisms may be part of a carefully coordinated NDA strategy—or a personal power play.
Either way, the political tension is unmistakable. And once again, all eyes are on Bihar.
