The rise of Chirag Paswan, who once aspired to be a movie star, from a political non-entity to a Union minister would remind one of an inspirational Bollywood film. Despite facing several challenges, Paswan has managed to maintain his focus on the elections. His LJP (Ram Vilas) put up a spectacular show, with the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) emerging as the third-largest party in Bihar in terms of seats, winning all five seats it contested in this election cycle.
The BJP and its ally JD(U) secured 12 seats each out of Bihar’s total 40 parliamentary constituencies. The saffron party garnered a vote share exceeding 20%, while Nitish Kumar’s party received 18.52% of the total votes. Chirag Paswan, elected from the Hajipur Lok Sabha seat, achieved a decisive victory with 6.14 lakh votes, surpassing his nearest RJD rival by over 1.7 lakh votes. It obtained a vote share of nearly seven percent. This Lok Sabha election represented a significant milestone in his political trajectory, underscoring his ascent as a prominent leader in Bihar and at the national level.
When did his political ascendancy begin?
Chirag, born in 1983, attended the National Institute of Open Schooling in Delhi for his early education. He began pursuing a B.Tech in Computer Engineering at the Institute of Engineering and Technology in Jhansi in 2005 but discontinued his studies during the third semester.
Chirag Paswan entered the political arena over a decade ago, following a brief stint in Bollywood, where he featured in the 2011 film ‘Miley Naa Miley Hum’ alongside actor-turned-MP Kangana Ranaut.
He began his political journey under the guidance of his father, Ram Vilas Paswan, winning the Jamui Lok Sabha seat in 2014 and retaining it in 2019. However, after his father’s passing in 2020, a rift developed between Chirag and his uncle, Pashupati Kumar Paras, leading to a split in the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP).
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, despite facing these challenges, Chirag led his party independently from the NDA, targeting JD(U) strongholds and criticising Chief Minister Nitish Kumar openly. This strategic move significantly impacted the JD(U)’s performance, reducing their seat count from over 70 to just 43. This decision strengthened Chirag’s standing as a prominent Dalit leader in Bihar and earned him favour with the BJP, the senior partner in the NDA.
The big divide
In 2021, the conflict between Chirag and Paras reached its peak, resulting in the formation of two distinct factions – the LJP (Ram Vilas), led by Chirag, and the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), helmed by Paras. Initially, the BJP aligned with Paras, appointing him as a Union Minister, leaving Chirag’s faction with only one MP and no MLAs. However, Chirag remained resolute, initiating an extensive public outreach campaign known as the “Ashirwad Yatra,” which garnered significant support across Bihar. The BJP took full notice and when PM Modi wrote a touching letter to Chirag on his father’s first death anniversary, the doors of NDA were once again opened for him. The LJP leader formally returned to the NDA in 2023.
His steadfast allegiance to PM Modi and the NDA played a pivotal role in his political resurgence.
The grand swearing-in ceremony
For the swearing-in ceremony, Chirag donned a refined black indo-western suit, complemented by a pristine white shirt. However, what truly set his attire apart was the tricolour pocket square he sported. This subtle yet impactful accessory not only enhanced the elegance of his ensemble but also symbolised his unwavering patriotic fervour and commitment to politics.
The swearing-in ceremony was a star-studded event, featuring business magnate Mukesh Ambani and his son Anant, leaders of seven neighbouring nations, Bollywood celebrities such as newly elected member of parliament Kangana Ranaut, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Anupam Kher. Adding to the event’s grandeur, Following his swearing-in as Union Minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government on Sunday, LJP (Ram Vilas) Chief Chirag Paswan expressed his commitment to fulfilling the responsibility with utmost honesty and diligence. Paswan extended his gratitude to PM Modi for placing trust in him.
“This is a significant responsibility for me… I am determined to carry out this responsibility with complete honesty and hard work… The Prime Minister deserves credit for this. Despite being a party with only one MP, he entrusted us with 5 seats… I have also ensured victory in all 5 seats,” Chirag Paswan stated, as reported by news agency ANI.
As Chirag Paswan assumes his new role, the nation eagerly anticipates his efforts to meet the aspirations of the people of Bihar and India, while continuing his father’s remarkable legacy.
