Union Minister Chirag Paswan has expressed his concern over what he perceives as deliberate attempts to create "misgivings" within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regarding his intentions for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Specifically, he has addressed the speculation that he is vying for the Chief Minister's position.
Paswan, the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), has clarified that his potential decision to contest the assembly polls would be solely aimed at enhancing his party's strike rate, which would ultimately benefit the NDA's overall performance in the state. He stated, "Let me make one thing very clear that if I contest the assembly polls, it would be only to ensure a better strike rate for my party, which would help the NDA. I am sorry to see attempts being made within the coalition to create misgivings that I have set my eyes on the chief minister's chair."
The 42-year-old politician lamented the internal mistrust seemingly present within the coalition. Despite these concerns, Paswan voiced his confidence that the NDA would secure a resounding victory in the Bihar elections under the leadership of the current Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar. He predicted that the NDA would form its "strongest government ever in Bihar, under Nitish Kumar's leadership" after the elections.
Paswan's statement comes amidst growing chatter about his political ambitions in Bihar. There has been speculation that he is seeking to shift from national to state politics, potentially with the aim of eventually becoming Chief Minister. Fueling this speculation were posters that circulated with the slogan "Bihar ka CM Chirag Chahiye" (Bihar wants Chirag as CM). Furthermore, the LJP(RV) party has suggested that Paswan should contest from a general seat in the assembly elections, rather than a reserved one, further hinting at his aspirations for a larger role in state politics.
However, Paswan has consistently denied any personal ambition for the Chief Minister's post. He has stated firmly that "There is no vacancy for the CM post in Bihar. Nitish Kumar will become the CM after the elections."
Adding to the discussion, Paswan's party is scheduled to launch its election campaign with a rally in Arrah. He indicated that his party has planned more rallies in the run-up to the elections, with each public meeting covering a cluster of five to six districts.
Political observers believe that Paswan's potential return to state politics has the blessings of the BJP. They suggest that he is being strategically positioned as a credible youth face in a state where politics has long been dominated by veteran leaders. Some analysts have drawn parallels to the political situation in Maharashtra, where the BJP managed to install its own Chief Minister despite contesting the elections under the leadership of an ally.
In the 2020 assembly elections, Paswan had targeted Nitish Kumar while praising PM Narendra Modi. His party contested 134 seats, mostly against JD(U) candidates, but only managed to win one seat. This time, as part of the NDA alliance, he has declared that Nitish Kumar will be the CM face. However, the earlier posters pitching him as the future CM and his potential ambitions for the top post remain a talking point.
