Patna, July 9, 2025 — As Bihar prepares for its assembly elections, political narratives are heating up. Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas) leader Chirag Paswan has shared a powerful recollection about the moment his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, considered aligning with the BJP in 2014.
“He told me, ‘I would rather take poison than go with the BJP,’” Chirag said in an emotionally charged interview. The senior Paswan, a veteran of Indian politics, eventually aligned with the BJP ahead of the 2014 general elections, marking a turning point in Bihar’s political landscape.
A Father’s Reluctance, A Son’s Dilemma
Ram Vilas Paswan’s initial hesitation stemmed from the BJP’s image post the 2002 Gujarat riots. At that time, Narendra Modi was Chief Minister. The elder Paswan, then a key UPA minister, feared the alliance could tarnish his secular credentials.
Chirag, who was still emerging politically, admitted he had no answer to his father’s emotional resistance. Yet, as Congress failed to act decisively, the alliance with BJP eventually materialized.
“We tried to meet Rahul Gandhi for three months but got no response. That made the path clearer,” Chirag said, highlighting the Congress leadership’s inaccessibility at the time.
2014: The Turning Point for LJP
Ram Vilas Paswan’s return to the BJP-led NDA in 2014 reshaped Bihar’s electoral balance. His decision came after years of being in UPA cabinets under Dr. Manmohan Singh.
The LJP’s alliance with the BJP helped consolidate Dalit votes, traditionally aligned with Paswan. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the NDA swept Bihar, and the alliance was considered politically astute.
According to Election Commission data, the LJP contested 7 seats in 2014 and won all — proving the alliance’s strength.
Eye on Bihar 2025: Full Intensity Contest
Now, as Bihar gears up for the October–November 2025 polls, Chirag is positioning himself as a kingmaker. He announced that his party would contest all 243 assembly seats.
“Every seat will feel Chirag Paswan’s presence,” he declared. It remains unclear whether this means contesting all seats or playing a critical role across constituencies.
Still, the statement reflects confidence and ambition. In 2020, LJP fielded candidates in over 130 seats but won only one. Yet, Chirag claimed credit for JD(U)’s poor performance, saying he targeted Nitish Kumar directly — and succeeded.
Chirag’s Stand with BJP Despite Past Turmoil
Despite his party’s split in 2021 — when his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras took over the LJP faction with BJP’s apparent backing — Chirag has maintained ties with the NDA.
“I hold no grudge,” Chirag said in the interview. His statement comes as a clear signal of loyalty to the BJP and readiness to be part of the NDA strategy in Bihar.
By 2024, Chirag had fully rejoined the BJP’s national alliance, while his uncle faded from the spotlight.
Youth and Development, Not Just Caste
Political observers often describe Chirag as a Dalit youth icon and caste-based leader. However, he now emphasizes development, not caste identity.
“I want youth to focus on progress, not just caste,” he said. It’s a shift from traditional Bihar politics, often driven by caste arithmetic.
This resonates with a younger electorate looking beyond legacy politics. Chirag’s own journey — actor-turned-politician, national face of a regional party — is symbolic of this generational change.
Strategic Role in NDA’s Bihar Plans
Chirag’s assertiveness in this election season places him as a critical player in the BJP’s Bihar strategy. With Nitish Kumar still CM and JD(U) in alliance, managing seat-sharing and voter alignment will be tricky.
His candid recall of past struggles and his father’s political instincts reflect maturity. At 42, Chirag may be carving out his own legacy — inspired but not overshadowed by his father.
Conclusion: From Legacy to Leadership
As Bihar approaches a high-stakes election, Chirag Paswan’s blend of emotional appeal and political clarity makes him a leader to watch. His alliance with the BJP, despite past wounds, appears stronger than ever.
He stands not just as a torchbearer of Ram Vilas Paswan’s legacy, but as a leader forging a new identity — rooted in ambition, memory, and strategy.
