Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) head and Union Minister Chirag Paswan has made his allegiance clear in a political arena frequently characterized by changing coalitions and post-election realignments. He is fully devoted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Just before the second round of voting in Bihar, Chirag Paswan stated in the ANI Podcast that there would be no post-election shift away from the coalition, claiming that his relationship with the Prime Minister is based on respect and belief rather than simply politics.
“I want to reiterate that I have no intention of going anywhere as long as my Prime Minister is in office. My love and commitment are still there. I love him a little too much,” Paswan said, in a rare show of political devotion and resolve.
“I’m in NDA, of course, because of Modi Ji”
Paswan responded, “Of course,” when questioned if his relationship with the NDA was exclusively due to PM Modi. His political allegiance is intrinsically personal, as shown by the response, which goes beyond considerations of electoral strategy.
Despite the unpredictability of Bihar’s politics, Paswan said that he still has faith in the Prime Minister. In response to conjecture that the results might not be in his favor, he said, “Such thinking averts the evil eye.”
His assurance, which was tempered by a sense of humility, conveyed the underlying idea that his political future is linked to the Modi-led NDA’s plan.
A Legacy Founded on the Ideas of Ram Vilas Paswan
Chirag Paswan frequently takes inspiration and direction from the political legacy of his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, a clever coalition builder and one of Bihar’s most powerful Dalit leaders.
“I am Ram Vilas Paswan ji’s son. Because I am a part of him, anybody who has seen his politics knows that the same values are within me,” Chirag stated, reiterating that his father’s history of never joining post-election coalitions is still a guiding principle.
Often referred to as the “weatherman” of Indian politics, Ram Vilas Paswan had a reputation for supporting the winning side, which Chirag is now attempting to maintain by siding with the NDA.
“Whichever alliance he chose to go with always came to power,” the young leader said with assurance.
A History of the Political Alliances of the LJP
Tracing the evolution of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), a journey that reflects the changing landscape of coalition politics in India, is necessary in order to grasp Chirag Paswan’s current political position.
Initially associated with the NDA, which was in power at the Centre under the leadership of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the LJP was established in 2000.
But in 2002, following the Godhra riots, Ram Vilas Paswan left the coalition, taking a strong position on secular ideals, and in 2004, he joined the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
Paswan senior held important ministerial portfolios during the UPA era, such as Chemicals, Fertilizers, and Steel, which showed his influence and acceptance across the political spectrum.
The 2020 Split and the Family Rift
The passing of Ram Vilas Paswan in 2020 signaled a change for the LJP. The formerly united group soon split, revealing significant differences in family and leadership.
The division was between Chirag Paswan, the late leader’s son and political heir, and Pashupati Kumar Paras, his uncle and longtime friend. Paras was chosen by five of the six LJP Lok Sabha members to be their leader in Parliament.
The split was officially recognized by the Election Commission in June 2021, and the LJP was split into two factions:
- Chirag Paswan is the head of the Ram Vilas faction of the Lok Janshakti Party.
- Pashupati Kumar Paras is the leader of the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party.
The split was more than just interpersonal; it reflected two distinct political viewpoints.
Chirag opted to run independently since he felt excluded, but Paras preferred to keep his relationship with the NDA throughout the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections.
The LJP (Ram Vilas) was unable to achieve any notable victories as a result of that risky action. Despite this, Chirag remained unruffled and confident that his moment would eventually arrive.
Rejoining NDA and the 2024 Comeback
Prior to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chirag Paswan wisely rejoined the NDA group. Analysts considered the move to be pragmatic, as it reaffirmed his alignment with PM Modi’s leadership and brought him back into the national political scene.
His choice was supported by the outcome: LJP (Ram Vilas) won all five seats it ran for in Bihar, achieving a clean sweep.
Chirag’s political revival was symbolized by the victory, which demonstrated that his unwavering support for Modi had been rewarded handsomely.
In the interim, Pashupati Paras, formerly his fiercest competitor, opted not to run for office, thereby lowering his public profile.
The Paswan political heritage had fully changed across generations.
The Importance of Chirag’s Loyalty to the NDA in Bihar
The NDA still considers Bihar to be a politically important state, and Chirag Paswan’s backing carries considerable electoral weight.
His popularity among Dalit voters, notably in northern and central Bihar, enhances Nitish Kumar’s Kurmi followers and the BJP’s upper-caste base.
Chirag is a young ally for Modi, but he also represents a generational shift in the NDA.
He is a young, media-savvy leader who appeals to aspirational and urban voters while upholding a solid Dalit legacy.
Chirag’s unwavering support for Modi, which he often articulates in highly personal language, also gives the alliance a sense of unity and stability, particularly at a time when opposition alliances sometimes fall apart in the wake of elections.
“I Will Always Follow Modi as My Leader”
Political observers point out that Chirag’s frequent displays of love for Modi are not just flattery but rather a deliberate show of allegiance.
Chirag’s statements of love stand out in a time when regional allies frequently change allegiance in search of influence.
His statement that he “loves him a bit too much” has already become popular, demonstrating a combination of emotional honesty and political pragmatism.
For Chirag, the Modi brand is about identity, not just governance.
He has portrayed himself as “Modi’s Hanuman,” a devoted supporter whose political destiny is inextricably linked to the Prime Minister’s leadership.
