Will Chirag Paswan Be the NDA's CM Candidate in Bihar Elections 2025?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chirag Paswan is positioning himself as the NDA's chief ministerial candidate in Bihar.
- The party's previous performance strengthens its bargaining power.
- Chirag's visibility could impact seat-sharing dynamics with larger parties.
- Negotiations among NDA allies are becoming increasingly complex.
- The campaign slogan Bihar Mange Chirag emphasizes his aspirations.
Patna, Sep 9 (NationPress) As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJPRV) has ramped up efforts to position their leader Chirag Paswan as the NDA's chief ministerial candidate in Bihar.
A poster surfaced on the streets of Patna on Tuesday, where Chirag Paswan was hailed as the 'Kohinoor of Bihar.
This poster, unveiled by Imam Gazali, the Sheikhpura district president of LJPRV, bore the slogan, “Bihar Mange Chirag: Tan-Badan Ka Noor Hai, Chirag Bihar ka Kohinoor Hai.”
The imagery featured Chirag adorned with a king’s crown, reflecting the increasing desire among his supporters to see him in the top position.
Backers contend that Chirag Paswan’s success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections establishes him as a formidable candidate for the Chief Minister role.
LJPRV successfully contested five seats, winning all five, which enhances its leverage within the NDA coalition.
Leaders from LJPRV have consistently called for a significant share of Assembly seats this election cycle.
Recently, Arun Bharti, MP from Jamui and Chirag’s brother-in-law, emphasized that the party had contested 43 seats in the 2015 Assembly elections while being part of the Mahagathbandhan.
In 2020, LJPRV participated in 137 seats after parting ways with the NDA. Drawing on this experience, Bharti indicated that the party anticipates a range of 43 to 137 seats this time, contingent on seat-sharing negotiations with allies.
Chirag Paswan’s “Bihar Mange Chirag” initiative is being perceived as his move to not only establish himself as a youth icon but also as a credible contender for the CM position within the NDA.
His increasing visibility could potentially instigate friction in seat-sharing discussions with the JD(U) and BJP, who have historically held sway in the Bihar alliance.
As the Bihar Assembly elections 2025 get nearer, negotiations over seat allocations within the ruling NDA have become a critical issue.
With major partners like the BJP and JD(U) working to finalize their strategies, minor allies are asserting strong claims for seats.
Compounding the NDA’s challenges, Jitan Ram Manjhi, founder of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and former Chief Minister, has also requested 20 Assembly seats.
This demand, albeit smaller than Chirag’s, further complicates the dynamics for the BJP and JD(U), who must navigate coalition relationships while maintaining their dominance.