Chirag Paswan’s Bihar Victory: LJP(RV) Hits 29 Seats, Emerges as NDA’s Youth Icon
In a resounding vindication of resilience and strategic alignment, Chirag Paswan has propelled the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP(RV)] to approximately 29 seats in the Bihar assembly elections—matching the party’s historic high from February 2005—cementing his status as the NDA’s brightest young star five years after his father Ram Vilas Paswan’s demise triggered a bitter family and party schism. At 43, Chirag’s journey from Bollywood aspirations in Mumbai to Bihar’s political forefront embodies poetic justice, having weathered eviction from his father’s official residence (intended as a memorial), pushback from uncles, and the LJP’s split that saw the Election Commission freeze the original name and symbol, forcing his faction to adopt LJP(Ram Vilas) while Pashupati Kumar Paras’ group—initially favored by BJP with a Union ministry—faded to under 1% vote share.
NDA Alliance and Campaign Dominance: 29 Seats Justified
The BJP’s decision to allot 29 seats to LJP(RV)—raising eyebrows pre-polls—has been vindicated, with Chirag praised for “mature and sharp” negotiations. He addressed 173 rallies, placing him among NDA’s top five campaigners alongside PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, drawing massive crowds that transcended caste lines. Declaring unwavering loyalty to Modi as his ‘Hanuman’ while critiquing when needed—especially on minority issues—Chirag projected a visionary, development-focused image, earning BJP acknowledgement as Ram Vilas’ true heir with a Union Minister berth post-2024 Lok Sabha win.
‘Bihar First’ Vision: From Humiliation to Empowerment
Abandoning a settled Mumbai life—”Had I given Bollywood a few more years, I’d have made a decent name”—Chirag entered politics, witnessing Biharis’ humiliation nationwide, where “Bihari” became a slur. “Sitting in Delhi as a three-time MP, I couldn’t do much; I need to return to the state,” he told The Indian Express, unveiling a “Bihar First” document prioritising job creation, revenue boost, health/education infrastructure, and holistic development. His ‘MY’ formula—Mahila (women) and Youth—directly challenges RJD’s Muslim-Yadav ‘MY’, targeting aspiring demographics amid Tejashwi Yadav’s (36) unemployment pitch, while distancing from Lalu-era lawlessness associated with social justice gains.
Overcoming 2020 Exclusion and Family Rifts
Despite the BJP’s initial tilt toward uncle Paras and JD(U)-insisted NDA exclusion in 2020—rumoured as a deliberate BJP tactic to undercut Nitish—Chirag contested independently, splitting votes but building grassroots. Post-split, his faction thrived on Dalit consolidation and youth appeal, proving the BJP’s long-term faith was rewarded.
Future Trajectory: CM Ambitions and Cross-Caste Appeal
BJP leaders see Chirag as a “charismatic face cutting across caste and class,” capable of capturing Bihar’s aspirational pulse. Open about CM aspirations—”I joined politics just for Bihar and Biharis”—he positions LJP(RV) as a pivotal NDA partner, blending legacy with modernity. As Bihar seeks young leadership, Chirag’s rise signals a generational shift, challenging RJD’s youth narrative while strengthening NDA’s inclusive coalition.
