In a major political announcement ahead of the crucial Bihar Assembly elections, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan declared that his party will contest all 243 seats in the state. The declaration is seen as a strong assertion of his independent political strategy and a significant departure from alliance politics that has shaped Bihar’s electoral landscape in recent years.
Chirag Paswan’s big statement
Addressing party workers in Patna on Sunday, Chirag Paswan said:
“The people of Bihar have faith in us. We will contest all 243 seats to bring about the change that Bihar truly deserves.”
Paswan also criticised both the Nitish Kumar-led JDU and Tejashwi Yadav-led RJD, calling them “two sides of the same coin who have failed Bihar’s youth, unemployed, and farmers for decades.”
Why is this announcement significant?
This decision marks a clear intent by Chirag Paswan to:
- Strengthen LJP (Ram Vilas) as a standalone political force
- Consolidate his father Ram Vilas Paswan’s traditional vote base among Dalits and youth voters
- Assert leadership within Bihar’s NDA framework, where he has so far played a junior partner role
Recent seat-sharing tensions
Chirag’s statement also comes amid reports of seat-sharing tensions within the NDA in Bihar. While BJP leaders in Delhi are reportedly keen on continuing the alliance, Chirag Paswan’s insistence on a respectable seat share has been a sticking point.
In 2020, his decision to field LJP candidates against JDU but not BJP had led to a fractured mandate, weakening Nitish Kumar’s party and establishing Chirag as an aggressive political player, though LJP secured only a single MLA.
Key highlights from Chirag Paswan’s address
- Reiterated commitment to “Bihar First, Bihari First” vision
- Promised 10 lakh government jobs, direct farm procurement, and zero tolerance to corruption
- Announced that candidates for all 243 seats will be finalised by early September
- Launched scathing attacks on both NDA and INDIA bloc, claiming “People want a new alternative, not recycled leadership”
Chirag Paswan’s political positioning
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 41 |
| Party | Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) |
| Current Position | Union Minister of Food Processing Industries |
| 2020 Assembly Elections | Contested 135 seats, won 1 |
| Key Voter Base | Dalits, Paswan community, urban youth |
| Strategy for 2025 | Contesting all 243 seats to emerge as kingmaker or significant opposition force |
Impact on NDA arithmetic
Political observers believe Chirag Paswan’s decision could create complexities within the NDA alliance, especially if the BJP wishes to retain Nitish Kumar’s JDU as a major partner. Analysts note:
- BJP’s Dilemma:
If LJP(R) contests all seats, BJP risks vote splitting in seats where it contests against RJD and JDU, potentially weakening NDA’s tally. - JDU’s Concern:
JDU leaders have criticised Chirag in the past for being the “B team of BJP”, but his growing independence now poses a threat to their electoral prospects. - RJD’s Opportunity:
Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD may benefit from a split in Dalit and anti-incumbency votes if Chirag contests independently, similar to 2020.
Analysts speak
Senior political analyst Ajay Kumar Jha said:
“Chirag is betting big on youth disenchantment with both NDA and INDIA bloc. While winning all 243 seats is practically impossible, even a strong 10-15 seat performance could establish him as a force for 2025 and beyond.”
Voices from LJP(R)
Party insiders revealed that district-level leadership has been instructed to begin booth-level groundwork immediately. A senior leader said:
“We are not bargaining this time. We will contest on our symbol across Bihar. Chiragji’s popularity among youth and Dalits will surprise everyone.”
Opposition’s reaction
- RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari dismissed Chirag’s announcement, saying: “He is a puppet of BJP. People of Bihar know who actually fights for their rights.”
- JDU leader KC Tyagi commented: “Chirag Paswan is free to contest all seats. The real contest will be between JDU-RJD and BJP. He will cut votes only.”
Challenges for Chirag Paswan
- Organisational strength: LJP(R) lacks the grassroots cadre strength of RJD or JDU.
- Leadership depth: Apart from Chirag himself, the party has limited state-level faces with electoral experience.
- Funding and logistics: Contesting all 243 seats requires vast financial resources and strategic booth management.
Opportunities for Chirag Paswan
- Youth connect: His tech-savvy, modern image appeals to first-time voters.
- Dalit consolidation: He remains a strong Paswan community face after his father’s death.
- Anti-incumbency mood: If people seek a fresh alternative, he could attract floating votes.
Bihar 2025 Assembly scenario
| Party | Projected Strategy |
|---|---|
| BJP | Seat-sharing with JDU, LJP(R), HAM for NDA unity |
| JDU | Contest around 90-100 seats within NDA |
| RJD | Leading INDIA bloc with Congress, Left support |
| Congress | Contesting 30-40 seats within INDIA bloc |
| LJP(R) | Contesting all 243 seats independently |
The road ahead
Chirag Paswan’s bold announcement sets the tone for an intense multi-cornered contest in Bihar, with regional identity, youth employment, caste equations, and national alliances all playing key roles.
While political pundits remain sceptical about LJP(R)’s ability to sweep a significant number of seats independently, most agree that Chirag Paswan has succeeded in:
- Reasserting his relevance in Bihar’s political discourse
- Positioning himself as a potential kingmaker if results lead to a hung assembly
- Projecting himself as a long-term player in Bihar’s leadership space
Final word
With Nitish Kumar aiming to retain power, Tejashwi Yadav eyeing his first Chief Ministerial term, and BJP looking to dominate from the Centre to Patna, Chirag Paswan’s declaration has added a dramatic twist to Bihar’s 2025 election build-up.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only based on current political statements, election preparations, and public addresses. Actual seat contests and alliances remain subject to final decisions by respective parties closer to the election dates.
