Patna: A fresh rift is emerging within Bihar’s NDA alliance as uncertainty grows over Chirag Paswan’s political intentions. The Janata Dal (United) is reportedly uneasy over speculation that the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief and Union Minister Chirag Paswan may contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. According to JDU sources, if Chirag chooses to enter the fray, it would be his personal decision and not that of the NDA.
Party insiders say Chirag’s move could be a pressure tactic to demand a larger share of seats in the alliance’s seat-sharing formula. However, the bigger worry for the JDU is that his entry into the state electoral battlefield might trigger confusion over the chief ministerial face. The NDA has already declared that the elections will be fought under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
CM ambitions in doubt
Adding to JDU’s discomfort is Chirag Paswan’s plan to flex political muscle in Nitish Kumar’s home turf. On June 29, Chirag is expected to mobilise nearly two lakh people at the Bahujan Bhim Sankalp Sammelan in Rajgir, a move seen as a direct challenge to the CM’s stature.
While some BJP leaders believe Chirag’s participation could consolidate Paswan votes in the NDA’s favor, the JDU appears wary of his growing assertiveness. The party has made it clear that the LJP will have the final say over candidate selection on seats allocated to it — a subtle reminder that contesting from a specific seat does not equate to broader decision-making power within the alliance.
Options limited
Political observers believe Chirag’s electoral move would only make sense if he saw himself in the running for the chief minister’s post. But with his party unlikely to secure more than 30 seats in the alliance, that ambition seems far-fetched for now.
Speculation about Chirag exploring options beyond NDA — like joining the Mahagathbandhan or aligning with Prashant Kishor, also appears bleak. The Mahagathbandhan already has Tejashwi Yadav as its CM face and is unlikely to accommodate Chirag’s ambitions. There are also concerns among alliance members about his reliability, given past incidents that have made some leaders question his loyalty.
Chirag’s risky gamble
Even if Chirag were to join hands with political strategist Prashant Kishor, observers say a leadership tussle would be inevitable. JDU leaders haven’t forgotten how they blamed Chirag’s 2020 poll strategy for weakening their own performance.
Given the current dynamics, the JDU is firm on its stance, especially with its renewed importance in the Modi-led central government and a strengthened alliance with the BJP. With little leverage and no viable exit path, many believe it is Chirag Paswan who stands to lose the most if he breaks ranks with the NDA.
