Patna: As Bihar gears up for a crucial Assembly election later this year, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has sought to silence speculation of discord within the NDA. In an interview with Aaj Tak, the Union Minister asserted that the alliance is united and projected a sweeping victory, claiming the NDA will secure over 225 of the 243 seats in the fray.
Paswan, who has often taken subtle digs at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the past, adopted a conciliatory tone this time.
“Nitish Kumar is not the weak link of the NDA but a strong link,” he said, underlining that the coalition dynamics have evolved significantly since the 2020 Assembly polls.
Back in 2020, Paswan’s LJP contested independently on 137 seats, managing just one victory but inflicting serious damage on JD(U), which slumped to 43 seats—its worst performance in two decades.
Now firmly within the NDA fold, Paswan emphasized that there is “no tussle over seat-sharing”, despite public demands like Jitan Ram Manjhi’s call for 100 seats.
“In view of the elections, statements will be made, positions will be taken. But ultimately, winnability must be the top priority,” he said.
When asked if he himself would contest the Bihar Assembly elections, Paswan hinted at his intentions:
“The matter is still in the pipeline. I definitely want to contest.”
Though careful not to project himself as a Chief Ministerial contender, Paswan left the door open for future possibilities.
“There is no vacancy for the post of Chief Minister today,” he remarked, stressing that any overt ambition could be misread as an attempt to create division within the NDA.
Often described as a wildcard in Bihar politics, Chirag reiterated his loyalty to the alliance and Prime Minister Modi.
“For me, the alliance is a priority. My dedication is for the Prime Minister,” he said, sidestepping questions on personal ambitions.
