Is Chirag Paswan Friends with Everyone but Unable to Form an Alliance?

New Delhi, May 23 (NationPress) In a revealing conversation with IANS, Union Minister Chirag Paswan tackled the rumors surrounding his increasing connections with political figures from various parties, including Tejashwi Yadav and Prashant Kishor. He emphatically stated, "Friends with everyone, but no alliance with anyone as long as PM Modi is my Prime Minister."

Chirag Paswan clarified that despite his personal relationships, his political loyalty lies exclusively with the current NDA coalition and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also discussed India's international efforts against terrorism, Operation Sindoor, and the political landscape in Bihar.

Here is the complete interview:

IANS: Following Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has dispatched delegations abroad. How significant do you find this?

Chirag Paswan: It is essential. Our nation faced a brutal and disgraceful terrorist assault, and after that, through Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army showcased its bravery and valor. The global community must be made aware of this. That's the reason MPs have been sent to various countries to advocate for India's stance. It is vital that India’s narrative is accurately portrayed. Our forces targeted exclusively terrorist camps, ensuring no civilians were harmed... These camps have been supported by our neighboring nation for an extended period. Such delegations have occurred previously as well. Their goal is to enlighten the world about India's authentic story.

IANS: The opposition, particularly Congress and occasionally the RJD, is raising questions about Operation Sindoor. They mention fighter jets being shot down by Pakistan and query the ceasefire and the absence of action in PoK. What are your thoughts?

Chirag Paswan: Is this genuinely the right moment to discuss such matters? When the nation needs to unify against terrorism, what is the opposition doing, especially parties like Congress? They are effectively mirroring Pakistan’s narrative. The same inquiries they're posing are being echoed by our opposition. Do you consider this the appropriate moment for political maneuvering? Let the world perceive India as a united front for the time being. The parliamentary delegation is not representing any political party; they represent the nation. Questions can come later; this government and Prime Minister will be in power until 2029. But should India appear divided now? The opposition's actions in this scenario have been misguided, and if they persist, it will damage India's international standing.

IANS: The Prime Minister remarked, “We have turned into dust those who attempted to erase sindoor.” What’s your perspective?

Chirag Paswan: Operation Sindoor, by its very name, embodies justice. Many of our sisters suffered the loss of their husbands in that terror attack, and the operation’s name provides emotional justice. The Prime Minister’s powerful words once again illustrate his steadfast determination, the same commitment he expressed in Bihar, in Madhubani, where he boldly stated that the response would be unprecedented. I believe the Indian Army has fulfilled that promise.

IANS: Speaking of Bihar, you recently met Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Did you inform him about your plans to visit Bihar?

Chirag Paswan: My Chief Minister is well aware that I entered politics for the benefit of Bihar and its people. He has always acknowledged this. During our meeting, we explored numerous political issues, including the approaching Bihar elections. We stressed that the party desires me to spend more time in Bihar and take on a more vigorous and impactful role. I believe the CM appreciates this and wishes for the party to play a crucial role in the forthcoming Assembly elections, benefiting the entire alliance. This is not about operating in isolation but collaborating as a cohesive alliance.

IANS: A brief video of you has gone viral. You met both Tejashwi Yadav and CM Nitish Kumar on the same day and were seen complimenting Prashant Kishor. Why is Chirag Paswan supportive of everyone?

Chirag Paswan: An alliance with everyone is feasible (with a chuckle). I have clearly stated on record before that as long as Modi ji is my Prime Minister, considering any alternative alliance is impossible for me. If that were the case, I would have joined another alliance back in 2020 when I chose to go solo. My performance might have been significantly better, and we could have held a stronger position in Bihar. However, I opted to fight independently, rather than join any alternative coalition. Regarding the video you mentioned, Tejashwi is like a younger brother to me, and I have always regarded his family as my own. Lalu ji is akin to a father, and Rabri ji is like a mother; I've always acknowledged that bond. That meeting was one of those heartwarming moments in our democracy where both sides united to support the families of our martyrs. I don't think there's any need for further interpretation of that meeting.

IANS: Chirag Paswan, Tejashwi Yadav, Prashant Kishor, Kanhaiya Kumar—all of you young leaders are active on the ground. Wherever you go, they seem to follow. Will all four be present in the electoral arena?

Chirag Paswan: Absolutely. While fulfilling their respective roles, I believe this will be a remarkable moment for Bihar and its citizens. The essence of democracy lies in presenting choices. I believe today, Bihar possesses those choices. The people can determine which ideology, leadership, or alliance aligns with their preferences. I am confident that our alliance stands out as the best today.

IANS: Will the situation in 2025 mirror that of 2020, or have circumstances changed?

Chirag Paswan: It depends on the angle from which you are inquiring. In 2020, I contested the elections independently. In 2025, you will witness me firmly allied with the coalition. We will fight collectively, win collectively, and Nitish Kumar ji will once again assume the role of Chief Minister. If it were that straightforward, you would already possess the numbers. You already suggested the numbers I don’t even have. However, I won't compromise the alliance's integrity by publicly discussing numbers before addressing them within the coalition. These matters will first be resolved within our five-party alliance. Following that, we will jointly conduct a press conference to reveal the number of seats and the candidates from each party.