Uncertainty has emerged within the Bihar NDA regarding Chirag Paswan’s political moves. The JDU is expressing a lack of enthusiasm about Chirag’s potential candidacy in the elections. JDU is seeking clarity on the reasons behind Chirag Paswan, a Union Cabinet Minister, deciding to contest the assembly elections. Sources within JDU suggest that if Chirag decides to contest the elections, it will be his individual decision, and not an NDA-endorsed one.
JDU speculates that Chirag’s decision to contest could be a strategic maneuver to pressure for a larger share of seats for his party during seat allocation negotiations. Furthermore, JDU is apprehensive that Chirag’s participation might lead to ambiguity concerning the Chief Minister’s position in Bihar, given the NDA’s prior statements that the elections will be contested under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
Some BJP leaders, however, believe that Chirag’s participation in the assembly elections could consolidate Paswan votes in favor of the NDA. Additionally, JDU is reportedly uneasy about Chirag Paswan’s plans to demonstrate his influence in Nitish Kumar’s home district. Chirag Paswan intends to convene around two lakh people in Rajgir on June 29 through the Bahujan Bhim Sankalp Sammagam.
JDU sources have clarified that the allocation of seats to LJP within the NDA will be decided by the LJP, including the selection of their candidates. However, experts believe that Chirag’s decision to contest the elections will only be effective if he anticipates being a contender for the Chief Minister’s post after the elections. With the possibility of his party securing fewer than thirty seats, his ambition to become CM may not be realized.
Moreover, there is no place for Chirag Paswan in the Mahagathbandhan, with Tejashwi Yadav already established as the CM candidate. Also, it is unlikely that Chirag will secure enough seats in the Mahagathbandhan to achieve his CM aspirations. Furthermore, there are concerns about Chirag potentially changing allegiances in the future.
Analysts suggest that Chirag Paswan’s most viable option might be to collaborate with Prashant Kishor to contest elections for a maximum number of seats, but potential disagreements over the leadership of such an alliance are expected. JDU leaders attributed the party’s underperformance in the previous assembly elections to Chirag. As a result, JDU leaders view Chirag Paswan’s strategy with caution. However, the context has shifted, as the Modi government currently needs the JDU, and the relationship between the BJP and JDU is strong. Consequently, if Chirag chooses to distance himself from the NDA this time, it could be detrimental to Chirag Paswan himself.