Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan hinted at the possibility of joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) during a party meeting in Patna. The meeting authorized Chirag to make decisions regarding the party's alliance with any political group.
In an intriguing development highlighting the growing closeness between Chirag and the BJP, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai visited Chirag and referred to the Paswan residence as his “second home.”
While Rai refrained from discussing an alliance with Chirag, he emphasized the shared values between the BJP and Chirag's late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, emphasizing their commitment to serving the people and ensuring their happiness.
When questioned about the potential of joining the NDA, Chirag maintained that he would not make any premature announcements out of respect for the principles of decorum within the coalition. He suggested that further discussions would take place within the NDA before a final decision is reached.
However, a complication arises due to Chirag's uncle, Pashupati Kumar Paras, who led a revolt following Ram Vilas Paswan's demise, resulting in a split within the LJP. Paras currently serves as a minister in the Union cabinet. Both Chirag and his uncle have expressed their unwillingness to be part of any coalition that includes the other.
During the meeting, Chirag did not provide any fresh statements regarding his uncle. However, he made it clear that his party would undoubtedly contest the Lok Sabha polls from Hajipur, a constituency his father had nurtured over several terms and is presently held by his uncle.
When it comes to a potential ministerial position, Chirag stressed that his decision to join a coalition would be primarily influenced by the prospects in the Lok Sabha and assembly polls, rather than solely focusing on a ministerial berth.
In the 2020 assembly polls, Chirag rebelled against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, fielding candidates against the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), which resulted in a significant decline in the JD(U)'s seat tally.
While the BJP contested the elections in alliance with the JD(U), the latter accused the BJP of supporting Chirag, who had given tickets to several rebels from the saffron party.
Many of these rebels, who were previously expelled by the BJP for “violating coalition dharma,” have now returned to the party.
The JD(U) exited the NDA last year, leading to the BJP losing power.