Latest news with #pan-Bihar
India Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Why Chirag Paswan's barb on Bihar law and order hits Nitish where it hurts
On a humid afternoon in Gaya, Union minister Chirag Paswan stood before the media, his demeanour at odds with the placid landscape of Bihar's political theatre. 'It seems the police and administration have quite literally surrendered to the criminals,' he declared, voice clipped, gaze indictment—'murders, kidnappings, loot, dacoity and rape one after another, yet the state apparatus prostrated'—cut through the usual cadence of ritual obeisance bestowed upon coalition the uninitiated, such blistering rebuke might suggest a schism within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA); in reality, it signalled a meticulously calibrated thrust from an ascendant politician. Chirag's target was unmistakable: the Janata Dal (United) and its leader, chief minister Nitish Kumar, the very custodian of Bihar's home yet, the BJP—the big brother in the NDA in Bihar—remained conspicuously mute, refraining from either full-throated endorsement of Nitish or repudiation of Chirag's barbs. This moment, however theatrical, is far from spontaneous. In the 2020 assembly polls, Chirag's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) had contested 135 seats, cannibalising the JD(U)'s support base and pushing its tally down to 43—a manoeuvre that echoed in the confines of the legislative assembly long after the votes had been with Nitish's aura dimmed by age and whispers of faltering health, Chirag perhaps discerns an opening. His intervention taps into a growing unease among Bihar's electorate—urban or rural—who no longer content themselves with welfare hand-outs; they demand streets that do not echo with Bihar's law-and-order record has remained deeply challenging. Over the past few weeks, the state has witnessed a disturbing spate of murders, kidnappings and violent offences, often committed with brazen impunity. Local police frequently operate in a reactive mode—arriving only after crimes have been reported, rather than deploying proactive patrols or intelligence-led operations to prevent public denunciation, therefore, was no mere rhetorical flourish: without naming Nitish, he singled out the chief minister's home department as the one that has 'surrendered' before criminals, effectively targeting squarely at the state's highest beneath the surface urgency lies a deeper ambition: to recast the LJP from a supporting actor into a power player. A senior BJP operative confided, 'Chirag is determined to break the LJP mould, to forge it into a pan-Bihar force.'On paper, the NDA enjoys a formidable position in Bihar. In the 2024 general election, it secured 30 of the state's 40 Lok Sabha seats, besides maintaining leads in the majority of assembly segments, buttressed by a carefully cultivated social coalition. Yet, beneath this veneer of dominance lurk fresh now appears as a pale shadow of his former self—his health and political heft visibly diminished—while the BJP, buoyed by newfound confidence, is less inclined than ever to play entirely to its JD(U) partner. Into this widening fissure steps in Chirag, whose 'Bihar Bula Raha Hai' campaign has so far been a clarion call to disaffected voters. Sensing a vacuum at the apex of state power, he is positioning himself as the fresh face of Bihar's next political the subtext of his rhetoric is clear: to present himself not merely as the scion of Ram Vilas Paswan's formidable legacy but as its modern interpreter. Ram Vilas, tantalisingly close to kingmaker status in February 2005, saw his moment dissipate. Now, in his early forties, Chirag carries the weight of unfinished business. Like a craftsman refining a blueprint, he has spent years building visibility—visiting panchayats, attending villagers' weddings, raising his voice where others remain Bihar's exquisitely balanced electoral tapestry, Chirag's true value lies not in the raw tally of votes but in the pivot he represents. At his behest, alliances can shift; governments can teeter. His outburst in Gaya was no mere performance, but a calculated proclamation of intent: that the LJP will no longer stand in the shadows, waiting to be summoned. Instead, it will command the stage, and its young leader—unbowed, unreserved—will claim the limelight, which many believe Chirag truly to India Today Magazine- EndsTune InMust Watch
News18
02-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Bihar Election: Where Will Chirag Paswan Contest From? Posters Drop Big Clue
Last Updated: Chirag Paswan may contest the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections from a general seat, sparking speculation and local mobilisation with posters promoting him as Bihar's "hope". Political temperatures in Bihar are soaring ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections, and at the centre of the rising heat is a familiar name, Chirag Paswan. The union minister and chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) triggered a fresh wave of speculation by signalling his intent to contest the upcoming elections, possibly for the first time from a general seat in the state Assembly. This move, if confirmed, could reshape the contours of Bihar's electoral battlefield. The speculation gained traction after a social media post by Jamui MP and Paswan's brother-in-law, Arun Bharti, said, 'When the leader is of the whole of Bihar, then why should the scope of the seat be limited?". He further urged that Paswan should contest not from a reserved seat, but from a general one – framing him as the pan-Bihar alternative and a unifying figure beyond caste lines. 'The workers also feel that this time @iChiragPaswan ji should not contest from any reserved seat in the Bihar assembly elections, but from a general seat – Chirag Paswan is now the hope of the whole of Bihar, not just one community," Bharti said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Within hours, the streets of Patna and Sheikhpura were dotted with posters heralding the arrival of what supporters have dubbed the 'future of Bihar". The messaging was overtly ambitious and emotionally charged, 'Chirag is the name of Bihar's hope… only he can stop migration, provide employment, and reform the health system." The posters featured slogans such as '169 Sheikhpura Vidhan Sabha is waiting for you" and 'When the leader belongs to all of Bihar, why limit the seat?", reflecting a clear push from within the party's ranks. The posters were credited to Imam Ghazali, Sheikhpura district president of LJP (Ram Vilas), hinting at growing local-level mobilisation and enthusiasm for Paswan's entry into the state legislative fray. Though an official declaration is still pending, the groundwork is visibly being laid. Speculation is not confined to Sheikhpura alone. Other constituencies being whispered in party circles include Danapur, Hajipur, and key general-category seats in Patna. Insiders believe Paswan's potential entry is a calculated move, intended to expand his support base beyond his traditional Dalit constituency and solidify his image as a statewide leader with developmental credentials. His oft-repeated mantra, 'Bihar First, Bihari First," is being touted as the ideological cornerstone of this push. His political stock has risen considerably after the 2024 elections, where LJP (Ram Vilas) managed to win five Lok Sabha seats, bolstering Paswan's influence within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The party is now eyeing a significantly larger share in the Assembly, reportedly staking claim to 40 seats, many currently held by the Janata Dal (United), a senior NDA ally. Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal added a layer of legitimacy to the ongoing buzz by publicly supporting Paswan's right to choose his electoral path. 'Everyone has the right to make the best decision for themselves and their party," Jaiswal remarked, describing Paswan as a leader who is 'doing well" and hinting at an emerging consensus within NDA ranks, though the seat-sharing deal remains under negotiation. Political analysts view Paswan's interest in a general seat not just as symbolic outreach but also as strategic positioning within the NDA. It could give him greater leverage during alliance talks and offer his party an enhanced profile on the state Assembly map. Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress have reportedly begun reassessing their campaign strategies, with sources admitting that Paswan's rising popularity, especially among young voters and first-time electors, could complicate their arithmetic. First Published: June 02, 2025, 13:05 IST
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chirag urged to contest state elections from ‘general' seat
Patna: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Bihar in charge Arun Bharti on Sunday urged party president and Union minister Chirag Paswan to contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections from a general seat instead of a reserved one, citing the sentiments of the people and party workers. Bharti said Chirag was not the representative of a single community but the "hope of entire Bihar", a remark widely seen as an attempt to project him as a potential chief ministerial candidate. Chirag, who currently holds the food processing industries portfolio in the Narendra Modi govt, has in recent media interactions hinted at taking a more active role in state politics. He rejoined the NDA in the run up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Speculation around his assembly debut gained momentum after Bharti, also the party MP from Jamui, strongly advocated the move – first through a social media post and later in a media interaction. "The people of Bihar have a rare attraction towards him (Chirag). He has acceptability across all castes and communities in the state. Everyone loves him," Bharti said in Delhi, adding that the party's state working committee has already suggested that Chirag take up a "bigger role" to accelerate Bihar's development. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Duque De Caxias (consulte o preço) Alarmes Saiba Mais Undo While emphasising that some "political forces" had tried to limit Chirag's appeal to a specific caste, Bharti said he enjoyed wide support and must contest from a general seat to reflect his pan-Bihar identity. "Bihar has always remained at the centre of his politics," he added. "His vision for the state's development will become a reality only when he raises the issues from the 'Bihar House'," Bharti said. Chirag has so far only contested Lok Sabha elections, including from reserved constituencies like Jamui and Hajipur. His father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, and uncle-turned-political rival Pashupati Kumar Paras began their political journeys in the Bihar assembly with Alauli in Khagaria as their launchpad before entering national politics. "Jab neta pure Bihar ka hai, toh seat ka dayra kyon simit ho? (When the leader represents entire Bihar, then why should he be confined to a particular constituency?)" Bharti asked in his post, reiterating that Chirag's goal of an "Atmnirbhar Bihar" would be achievable only if he led the campaign while staying in the state. Bharti said people across Bihar were urging Chirag to play a larger role in state politics. "A recent meeting of the party's state working committee has already passed a unanimous proposal that Chirag should himself contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections," he said. Party sources said LJP (RV) is working to expand its political footprint this election season. This was evident in a meeting of party workers held in Bikramganj on May 30, where it was decided to organise a "Nav Sankalp Mahasabha" at Babu Kunwar Singh Stadium in Ara on June 8. The meeting followed PM Narendra Modi's address in Bikramganj earlier that day. Patna: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Bihar in charge Arun Bharti on Sunday urged party president and Union minister Chirag Paswan to contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections from a general seat instead of a reserved one, citing the sentiments of the people and party workers. Bharti said Chirag was not the representative of a single community but the "hope of entire Bihar", a remark widely seen as an attempt to project him as a potential chief ministerial candidate. Chirag, who currently holds the food processing industries portfolio in the Narendra Modi govt, has in recent media interactions hinted at taking a more active role in state politics. He rejoined the NDA in the run up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Speculation around his assembly debut gained momentum after Bharti, also the party MP from Jamui, strongly advocated the move – first through a social media post and later in a media interaction. "The people of Bihar have a rare attraction towards him (Chirag). He has acceptability across all castes and communities in the state. Everyone loves him," Bharti said in Delhi, adding that the party's state working committee has already suggested that Chirag take up a "bigger role" to accelerate Bihar's development. While emphasising that some "political forces" had tried to limit Chirag's appeal to a specific caste, Bharti said he enjoyed wide support and must contest from a general seat to reflect his pan-Bihar identity. "Bihar has always remained at the centre of his politics," he added. "His vision for the state's development will become a reality only when he raises the issues from the 'Bihar House'," Bharti said. Chirag has so far only contested Lok Sabha elections, including from reserved constituencies like Jamui and Hajipur. His father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, and uncle-turned-political rival Pashupati Kumar Paras began their political journeys in the Bihar assembly with Alauli in Khagaria as their launchpad before entering national politics. "Jab neta pure Bihar ka hai, toh seat ka dayra kyon simit ho? (When the leader represents entire Bihar, then why should he be confined to a particular constituency?)" Bharti asked in his post, reiterating that Chirag's goal of an "Atmnirbhar Bihar" would be achievable only if he led the campaign while staying in the state. Bharti said people across Bihar were urging Chirag to play a larger role in state politics. "A recent meeting of the party's state working committee has already passed a unanimous proposal that Chirag should himself contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections," he said. Party sources said LJP (RV) is working to expand its political footprint this election season. This was evident in a meeting of party workers held in Bikramganj on May 30, where it was decided to organise a "Nav Sankalp Mahasabha" at Babu Kunwar Singh Stadium in Ara on June 8. The meeting followed PM Narendra Modi's address in Bikramganj earlier that day.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
LJP(RV) urges Chirag to contest assembly polls from ‘general' seat
Patna: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Bihar in charge Arun Bharti on Sunday urged party president and Union minister Chirag Paswan to contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections from a general seat instead of a reserved one, citing the sentiments of the people and party workers. Bharti said Chirag was not the representative of a single community but the "hope of entire Bihar", a remark widely seen as an attempt to project him as a potential chief ministerial candidate. Chirag, who currently holds the food processing industries portfolio in the Narendra Modi govt, has in recent media interactions hinted at taking a more active role in state politics. He rejoined the NDA in the run up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Speculation around his assembly debut gained momentum after Bharti, also the party MP from Jamui, strongly advocated the move – first through a social media post and later in a media interaction. "The people of Bihar have a rare attraction towards him (Chirag). He has acceptability across all castes and communities in the state. Everyone loves him," Bharti said in Delhi, adding that the party's state working committee has already suggested that Chirag take up a "bigger role" to accelerate Bihar's development. While emphasising that some "political forces" had tried to limit Chirag's appeal to a specific caste, Bharti said he enjoyed wide support and must contest from a general seat to reflect his pan-Bihar identity. "Bihar has always remained at the centre of his politics," he added. "His vision for the state's development will become a reality only when he raises the issues from the 'Bihar House'," Bharti said. Chirag has so far only contested Lok Sabha elections, including from reserved constituencies like Jamui and Hajipur. His father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, and uncle-turned-political rival Pashupati Kumar Paras began their political journeys in the Bihar assembly with Alauli in Khagaria as their launchpad before entering national politics. "Jab neta pure Bihar ka hai, toh seat ka dayra kyon simit ho? (When the leader represents entire Bihar, then why should he be confined to a particular constituency?)" Bharti asked in his post, reiterating that Chirag's goal of an "Atmnirbhar Bihar" would be achievable only if he led the campaign while staying in the state. Bharti said people across Bihar were urging Chirag to play a larger role in state politics. "A recent meeting of the party's state working committee has already passed a unanimous proposal that Chirag should himself contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections," he said. Party sources said LJP (RV) is working to expand its political footprint this election season. This was evident in a meeting of party workers held in Bikramganj on May 30, where it was decided to organise a "Nav Sankalp Mahasabha" at Babu Kunwar Singh Stadium in Ara on June 8. The meeting followed PM Narendra Modi's address in Bikramganj earlier that day.
India Today
01-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Chirag Paswan to contest Bihar Assembly polls? What his party leader said
With Bihar heading into election mode, speculation is rife about Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief and Union Minister Chirag Paswan contesting the upcoming Assembly polls due in October-November this year. Party leader and MP Arun Bharti has now publicly backed the move, calling it a "collective demand" from the on Chirag Paswan's potential candidacy, Bharti took to X and wrote, "He has always maintained that his politics is rooted in Bihar. His vision of Bihar First, Bihari First, is a pledge towards a developed and self-reliant Bihar. That can only be realised if he leads from within the state".advertisementBharti, who has toured villages across Bihar as the party's state in-charge, claimed there is strong public sentiment for Chirag Paswan to take on a larger role in the state. "Everywhere I went, people had one consistent demand — that Chirag ji must now play a key role in Bihar. Even in our recent party executive meeting, a unanimous resolution was passed urging him to contest the assembly elections," Bharti said. The Jamui MP also said that the party cadre wanted Chirag Paswan to contest from a general (unreserved) seat, rather than a reserved one — a move aimed at projecting him as a pan-Bihar leader. "This will send a message that he isn't here just to represent a section, but to lead all of Bihar," Bharti added. In what seems to be a calculated step towards this shift, the LJP (Ram Vilas) has planned a 'Nav Sankalp Sabha' in Ara on June 8, aimed at galvanising party workers and supporters across seven districts. advertisementThe event, to be held at Ramna Maidan, is expected to be a show of strength for Chirag Paswan — with internal chatter already projecting him as the party's chief ministerial PAWAN'S ON BIHAR POLLSSpeaking to reporters earlier this week, the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries also hinted at contesting the Bihar elections, calling it part of the broader strategy of the LJP (RV) and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA)."I have left this entirely on my party. If the party wants, I am ready to contest the Assembly elections. Currently, it is conducting a survey to figure out whether my candidacy will help my party, my candidates and my alliance. Just like Lok Sabha polls, our strike rate should be impressive in Bihar elections," Chirag Paswan said. The Bihar Assembly elections, the schedule for which is yet to be announced, are expected to see a direct contest between the NDA and the Rashtriya Janat Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan. However, some opinion polls also indicate that Prashant Kishor's newly launched party, Jan Suraaj, may gain some prominence. Must Watch
