Amidst ongoing speculation regarding the possible inclusion of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Chirag Paswan in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), his uncle and Union Minister of Food Processing, Pashupati Kumar Paras, has reiterated his claim as the rightful political successor to the late Ram Vilas Paswan. Paras revealed that his brother, Ram Vilas Paswan, had specifically asked him to contest from Hajipur, his own constituency, rather than Chirag Paswan. Paras stated that he was made the political heir by his brother, which raises questions about Chirag’s claim on the Hajipur seat.
In an interview with ET, Paras addressed the media hype surrounding Chirag’s popularity, highlighting the stark contrast between perception and ground reality. He emphasized that despite Chirag Paswan’s attempts to establish his influence, the recent success of Paras’s Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) in winning one Member of Legislative Council (MLC) seat, even when Chirag fielded his own candidate, illustrates the true public sentiment.
Paras further accused Chirag Paswan of aligning himself with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. He asserted that Chirag’s actions suggested a willingness to form an alliance with the RJD, particularly evident in his repeated attacks on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar while referring to Lalu Prasad as his guardian and Tejashwi Yadav as his younger brother. Paras highlighted Chirag’s shift in loyalty towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) once the RJD and Janata Dal United (JDU) formed a coalition government in Bihar last year.
The strained relationship between Paras and Chirag has exacerbated the internal turmoil within the LJP. Chirag’s attempts to carve his own path and assert his authority within the party have encountered resistance from several senior leaders, including Paras. The ensuing conflict has raised questions about the future trajectory of the LJP and its role within the larger political landscape.
Paras’s strong assertion of being Ram Vilas Paswan’s chosen successor adds a new dimension to the power struggle within the party. The statement brings into question Chirag’s claims and his attempt to consolidate his position as the face of the LJP. Paras’s assertion holds significant weight, as he had accompanied Ram Vilas Paswan throughout his political career and enjoyed a close relationship with him.
The ongoing saga surrounding Chirag Paswan’s political journey and his potential inclusion in the NDA highlights the complex dynamics within the LJP. The decision of whether or not to accommodate Chirag within the NDA will have far-reaching implications for both the party and the coalition as a whole.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the power struggle within the LJP unfolds and whether Paras’s claim as the true political heir to Ram Vilas Paswan gains wider support. The internal rift within the LJP, coupled with Chirag’s wavering alliances, adds an element of uncertainty to the party’s future trajectory and its position within the broader political landscape in Bihar.
In conclusion, Pashupati Kumar Paras’s reiteration of being the true political heir to Ram Vilas Paswan has intensified the ongoing power struggle within the LJP. Paras’s claim challenges Chirag Paswan’s position as the leader of the party, highlighting the discord within the LJP and the complex dynamics at play. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the future direction of the LJP and its role within the NDA remains uncertain. The outcome of this internal strife will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in Bihar and influence the alliances and power dynamics within the state.
