Chirag Paswan Projects 225-Plus Seats for NDA, Calls Nitish Kumar ‘Strong Link’
As Bihar gears up for a crucial Assembly election later this year, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has projected a decisive victory for the NDA, claiming the alliance will secure over 225 of the 243 seats.
In an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak, the Union Minister and Lok Sabha MP dismissed talk of discord over seat-sharing and struck a conciliatory note towards Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, despite past tensions.
“Nitish Kumar is not the weak link of the NDA but a strong link,” Paswan said, adding that the alliance’s internal equations have evolved since the 2020 polls.
In that election, Chirag’s LJP contested alone on 137 seats, winning just one, but its candidates cut into JD(U) votes and dragged the party down to its worst-ever tally of 43 seats. This time, Paswan insisted, there is “no tussle” within NDA over seat distribution, despite demands from allies like Jitan Ram Manjhi for a larger share.
“Statements will be made, positions will be taken, but ultimately winnability must be the top priority,” he stressed.
Possible Entry Into Assembly Politics
On whether he would personally contest, Chirag revealed that discussions were underway.
“The matter is still in the pipeline. I definitely want to contest,” he said.
While ruling out any immediate claim to the top post, he carefully left room for future ambition:
“There is no vacancy for the Chief Minister’s post today. My priority is the alliance and my commitment to the Prime Minister.”
Swipe at INDIA Bloc
Taking aim at the opposition, Paswan questioned the INDIA bloc’s Bihar strategy, suggesting that the Congress had slighted RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
“Rahul Gandhi did not declare my younger brother Tejashwi as the CM candidate. Tejashwi will definitely be hurt by this,” he remarked, adding that “everything is not fine in the grand alliance.”
Familiar Themes Return
Reviving old NDA talking points, Paswan warned that an RJD return would bring back “jungle raj” marked by crime and corruption. He also flagged “infiltration” as a looming electoral issue, alleging that outside forces seek to influence Bihar’s elections.
The state is expected to go to polls in November 2025.
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