Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has dismissed speculation of discord within the NDA over seat-sharing, asserting that the alliance is on course to win more than 225 of Bihar’s 243 Assembly seats later this year.
In an interview, the Lok Sabha MP and Union Minister also indicated that he may personally enter the fray, signalling a possible recalibration of his party’s influence in the state.
Striking a conciliatory note towards Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, against whom he has previously taken veiled jabs, Paswan said, “Nitish Kumar is not the weak link of the NDA but a strong link.” He added that the dynamics within the alliance had shifted significantly since the 2020 elections.
In 2020, Chirag Paswan’s LJP contested independently, fielding candidates in 137 constituencies. While the party managed to win only one seat, it inflicted heavy damage on the JD(U), which was reduced to 43 seats – its worst performance in two decades.
Paswan underlined that “there is no tussle in the NDA regarding seat sharing”, despite recent statements from allies such as Jitan Ram Manjhi demanding a large share of 100 seats. “In view of the elections, statements will be made, positions will be taken. But ultimately, winnability must be the top priority,” he said, stressing that arithmetic alone should not dictate strategy.
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When asked whether he would personally contest the polls, Paswan said discussions were ongoing. “The matter is still in the pipeline. I definitely want to contest,” he remarked.
Although careful not to pitch himself directly for the Chief Minister’s post, Paswan did not entirely dismiss the idea either. “There is no vacancy for the post of Chief Minister today,” he said, noting that any open expression of ambition could be misconstrued as an attempt to create division within the NDA.
Reiterating his commitment to the alliance and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Paswan said, “For me, the alliance is a priority. My dedication is for the Prime Minister.”
On the opposition INDIA bloc, he questioned the absence of a clear chief ministerial face in Bihar. Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s recent rally with Tejashwi Yadav, he said, “Rahul Gandhi did not declare my younger brother Tejashwi as the Chief Minister candidate. Tejashwi will definitely be hurt by this.”
He added that Tejashwi’s ongoing state tour hinted at unease within the opposition. “Everything is not fine in the grand alliance,” Paswan claimed.
Reviving themes central to previous NDA campaigns, Paswan warned that a return of the RJD would bring back “crime and corruption”, calling it the resurgence of “jungle raj” in Bihar.
He also flagged “infiltration” as a pressing issue, alleging that infiltrators attempt to influence elections in the state.
Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be held in November.
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