Chirag Paswan, Union Minister and leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), wants to quit his central government role to concentrate on politics in Bihar. His party wants him to contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections — not from a reserved seat, but a general seat. This move is being seen as a sign that Chirag is aiming to show he’s not just a Dalit leader, but someone ready to lead the entire state.
Recently, Chirag’s brother-in-law and MP Arun Bharti said that party workers want Chirag to contest from a general seat to send a strong message of leadership beyond the Dalit community.
Chirag said he never wanted to stay in national politics forever. “I joined politics for Bihar and Biharis. I want to see Bihar grow like other developed states. That can’t happen while sitting in Delhi,” he explained.
Is Chirag Eyeing the Chief Minister’s Post?
Chirag is a three-time Member of Parliament and currently serves as the Union Minister for Food Processing. He was recently elected from Hajipur in 2024. Despite his cabinet role, he wants to return to Bihar politics.
His party’s push for him to lead the state has sparked talks about him possibly aiming for the Chief Minister’s post.
However, Chirag clarified, “There is no vacancy for the CM post. Nitish Kumar will be the Chief Minister after the elections.”
Pressure Tactic on BJP?
Many believe Chirag’s sudden interest in Bihar is a way to pressure the BJP for a better seat-sharing deal within the NDA.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chirag’s party performed impressively, winning all five seats it contested. He has been actively touring Bihar, spreading his “Bihar First, Bihari First” message, and gaining popularity.
Chirag is currently the most influential Dalit leader in the state, with strong support from the Paswan community. That’s why his party wants a bigger share in the upcoming elections — something that could create tension in the NDA, especially since BJP has already declared Nitish Kumar as its CM face.
Could Chirag Replace Nitish Kumar?
There’s also talk that the BJP might be preparing Chirag as a backup option for Nitish Kumar.
Nitish, who is aging and reportedly facing health issues, may not be able to lead effectively for long. Some say the BJP could be supporting Chirag behind the scenes, just like in the 2020 assembly elections when Chirag’s party left the NDA and damaged Nitish’s JD(U) by contesting against it.
After that election, BJP became the stronger partner in the alliance. If Nitish becomes CM again but struggles due to health, Chirag might be seen as a ready replacement.
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Conclusion
Chirag Paswan’s return to Bihar politics could mean two things — he’s either pressuring the BJP for more seats or preparing himself as a future Chief Minister. Either way, his move is creating waves in Bihar’s political scene and could change the dynamics within the NDA.
