Is RJD Exploiting Muslims as a Vote Bank?
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Synopsis
Chirag Paswan's bold claims against RJD highlight the ongoing political tensions in Bihar. Accusing RJD of using the Muslim community solely for votes, he urges for true representation and challenges the party's commitments. With a historical lens, Paswan recalls his father's vision for inclusivity that remains unfulfilled.
Key Takeaways
- Chirag Paswan criticizes RJD for exploiting Muslims.
- Calls for the Muslim community to seek true representation.
- References historical political moves from 2005.
- Highlights the absence of Muslim leaders in key political roles.
- Challenges political parties to move beyond vote bank politics.
Patna, Oct 25 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food Processing Industries and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Chirag Paswan launched a pointed criticism of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Saturday, accusing the party of taking advantage of the Muslim community for electoral support while sidelining them from significant political roles.
He called upon the community to liberate themselves from what he referred to as a “bonded vote bank”.
Paswan reminded the audience that in 2005, his father and founder of LJP, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, had made a pivotal political gesture by endorsing the concept of a Muslim Chief Minister in Bihar, a move that the RJD did not support.
“In 2005, my leader, my father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan ji even sacrificed his own party for the sake of a Muslim Chief Minister — yet you did not provide your support,” Chirag Paswan expressed in a post on X.
He charged that the RJD continues to hold the same position even after two decades.
“The RJD was unwilling to endorse a Muslim Chief Minister in 2005, and as we approach 2025, they remain reluctant to appoint a Muslim Chief Minister or a Deputy Chief Minister!” Paswan stated, challenging the party's dedication to genuine inclusion.
Chirag Paswan further urged the Muslim community to advocate for equitable representation.
“If you continue to act as a bonded vote bank, how can you expect to receive respect and involvement?” he implored, addressing Muslim voters.
The Union Minister's remarks followed the recent announcement by the Mahagathbandhan, which named Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial candidate and Mukesh Sahani as one of the Deputy Chief Ministerial candidates for the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
The absence of any Muslim leader in a prominent role within the alliance has sparked discontent, with several AIMIM leaders also voicing their disappointment.
Speaking to media representatives in Patna on Thursday, Chirag Paswan reiterated his father's enduring position.
“This is the same RJD that my father urged in 2005 to appoint a Muslim as Chief Minister,” he said, accusing the party of hypocrisy.
“For them, Muslims are merely a vote bank. They talk about inclusion but engage in exclusion,” he concluded.
Point of View
Chirag Paswan’s remarks are a significant commentary on the political dynamics in Bihar. The ongoing struggle for representation among minorities reflects broader issues within Indian politics, highlighting the need for genuine inclusion rather than superficial electoral strategies.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Chirag Paswan accuse RJD of?
Chirag Paswan accused the RJD of exploiting the Muslim community for votes while denying them significant political positions.
What historical reference did Chirag Paswan make?
He referred to his father's support for a Muslim Chief Minister in Bihar in 2005, which the RJD did not support.
What did Paswan urge the Muslim community to do?
He urged the Muslim community to demand fair representation and to break free from being a 'bonded vote bank'.
What was the RJD's recent announcement regarding the Bihar elections?
The RJD announced Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial face and Mukesh Sahani as a Deputy Chief Ministerial candidate for the 2025 elections.
What is the significance of Paswan's statements?
Paswan's statements highlight ongoing challenges regarding minority representation in politics, emphasizing the need for genuine inclusion.
