With the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections on the horizon in October or November 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively working to maintain unity within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, especially in light of assertive moves by Chirag Paswan, leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). Paswan's recent pronouncements and actions have prompted the BJP to take a more hands-on approach to ensure the stability of the coalition.

Chirag Paswan, a Union Minister, has publicly expressed his desire to return to Bihar politics and contest in the upcoming Assembly elections. This ambition has been interpreted by some as a move to potentially become a kingmaker, if not the "king," in Bihar's political arena. Paswan's party has even hinted that he might contest from a general seat instead of a reserved constituency, signaling a broader appeal beyond his traditional support base. In July 2025, Paswan declared his intention to contest all 243 seats in the Bihar elections, further fueling speculation about the impact on the BJP-JDU alliance. He has also emphasized his commitment to Bihar's development, prioritizing "Bihar First, Bihari First" in his political agenda.

However, Paswan has also been critical of the current Bihar government, expressing regret for supporting it due to the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. This criticism has caused discomfort within the NDA, leading the BJP to take steps to address the situation. The BJP leadership fears that Paswan's statements, if left unchecked, could damage the NDA's image in the upcoming elections. A senior BJP leader has reportedly met with Paswan to caution him, and further meetings are planned to convey the importance of solidarity within the NDA on public platforms. The BJP is confident in Paswan's political potential and his appeal to young voters but believes that he needs to demonstrate maturity and strategic thinking.

The BJP's efforts to maintain unity within the Bihar NDA are also influenced by the events of the 2020 Assembly elections. During that election, Chirag Paswan broke away from the NDA and contested independently, which resulted in losses for the Janata Dal (United). The BJP wants to avoid a repeat of that scenario and ensure a united front in the upcoming elections.

Several factors contribute to the BJP's need to actively manage the Bihar NDA. Firstly, the BJP has historically struggled to secure a majority on its own in Bihar, making alliances crucial for forming a government. Secondly, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's political standing is perceived to be weakening, creating an opportunity for other leaders to emerge. The BJP may see Paswan as a potential strategic asset to counter Kumar's influence. However, the BJP also recognizes the need to maintain stability and avoid internal conflicts within the alliance.

The BJP's strategy involves advising Chirag Paswan to soften his stance and demonstrate solidarity towards the NDA. The party aims to leverage Paswan's political potential while ensuring that he acts responsibly as a member of the alliance. This approach reflects the BJP's broader goal of consolidating its position in Bihar and securing a strong performance in the 2025 Assembly elections. The BJP is also wary of the opposition INDIA bloc, which is strategizing to challenge the NDA by highlighting social justice issues and promising welfare schemes.

Ultimately, the BJP's ability to manage the Bihar NDA and maintain unity will be crucial for its success in the upcoming elections. The party's efforts to guide Chirag Paswan and address internal tensions within the alliance demonstrate its commitment to achieving this goal.