Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Wednesday, 28 October called for 'constructive dialogue' with the country's youth as the only viable path to addressing their grievances, while also announcing that his party is actively preparing to contest elections in Punjab. Paswan made the remarks during a visit to Chandigarh, where the party's state executive committee was also meeting.

On Youth Engagement and PM Modi's Outreach

Speaking to reporters, Paswan acknowledged a palpable 'resentment' among young Indians today. He said: 'If they have problems or concerns, it is only through constructive dialogue that we can find solutions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shares this exact vision that we should engage with the youth as much as possible, on every possible platform, so that we can move forward by understanding their perspectives.'

The Union Minister was in Mohali to attend a programme at CGC University, organised specifically to interact with young people. He underlined that the youth represent the country's future and reiterated that any meaningful solution must emerge from sustained dialogue with them.

Sharp Criticism of Punjab's Law-and-Order Situation

Paswan reserved pointed criticism for the state of security in Punjab, going beyond a routine political attack. 'This is indeed alarming. I am not saying this simply because I belong to the Opposition (in Punjab), but because I genuinely believe it. I have a deep personal connection with Punjab, as my maternal family is from here. We witness murders taking place here on a daily basis...it becomes a grave concern to see Punjab gradually falling prey to everything, from rampant drug abuse to violent criminal activities,' he said.

The remarks carry political weight as they come amid ongoing debate over the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's handling of crime and narcotics in the state. Paswan's familial ties to Punjab lend his criticism a personal register beyond standard opposition rhetoric.

LJP-Ram Vilas Sets Sights on Punjab Elections

Paswan confirmed that the LJP-Ram Vilas is 'gradually preparing' to field candidates in Punjab. The party's state executive committee meeting in Chandigarh, held under the leadership of party in-charge K.P. Chaudhary, was tasked with reviewing the party's organisational strength and strategy. Chaudhary's team was expected to share a detailed assessment after the meeting.

This marks a significant expansion ambition for a party that has so far concentrated its electoral presence primarily in Bihar. A Punjab entry, even if incremental, signals the party's intent to build a broader national footprint under Chirag Paswan's leadership.

Attack on Opposition Over Electoral Roll Revision

Paswan also dismissed opposition allegations against the electoral process and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. 'They are in the Opposition, so they will protest, and they are doing so. But it has yielded them no benefit. Wherever elections are held, they end up losing,' he remarked.

As the LJP-Ram Vilas deepens its outreach in Punjab and aligns itself closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's youth agenda, the coming months will test whether the party can convert its organisational meetings into a credible electoral presence in a state it has historically not contested.