CM Samrat Choudhary: Ram Vilas Paswan's birthday a state event from 2027
Synopsis
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary, on Ram Vilas Paswan's death anniversary, announced that the late Padma Bhushan leader's birthday — 5 July — will be observed as an official state ceremony from 2027, elevating his legacy to formal government recognition.
Key Takeaways
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary announced the decision on 8 October 2026 , Ram Vilas Paswan's sixth death anniversary.
5 July , Paswan's birthday, will be observed as an official state ceremony (Rajkiya Samaroh) from next year onwards.
Ram Vilas Paswan was a former Union Minister , Dalit rights leader, and Padma Bhushan awardee from Khagaria, Bihar .
The move institutionalises Paswan's legacy in Bihar's official government calendar for the first time.
The decision reinforces the BJP-LJP(RV) alliance and signals solidarity with the Paswan family's political base ahead of future elections.
On the death anniversary of one of Bihar's most towering political figures, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary made a quiet but consequential announcement — the birthday of Ram Vilas Paswan, 5 July, will henceforth be observed as a state ceremony, beginning next year.
Posting on 8 October 2026 — the sixth death anniversary of the late leader — CM Choudhary paid tribute in Hindi: 'शत-शत नमन' ('a hundred-fold salute'), describing Paswan as a 'महान सपूत' ('great son') of Bihar's soil who dedicated his entire life to nation-building and social service.
Who was Ram Vilas Paswan
Ram Vilas Paswan was one of Independent India's most enduring political figures — a former Union Minister who held cabinet portfolios across multiple governments of different political hues, a rare feat that earned him the reputation of a consummate consensus builder. Born on 5 July 1946 in Khagaria district, Bihar, he was a towering voice for Dalit rights and social justice. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his public service. Paswan passed away on 8 October 2020.What the state-ceremony declaration means
CM Choudhary's announcement elevates 5 July from a party-level commemoration to an official state function — placing Paswan's legacy in the same bracket as Bihar's most formally recognised historical figures. The decision, described by the Chief Minister as 'a true tribute and symbol of gratitude' from the people of Bihar, is expected to be institutionalised across government departments, schools, and public spaces in the state. The move carries clear political undertones: Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Paswan's son Chirag Paswan, is a key ally of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar. Giving the late patriarch a permanent place in the state's official calendar deepens that bond — and signals continued BJP solidarity with the Paswan political legacy ahead of future electoral cycles. For Bihar's substantial Dalit community, particularly those from the Dusadh caste group that Paswan championed, the recognition carries emotional and symbolic weight well beyond election arithmetic.Point of View
High-visibility gesture that speaks directly to Bihar's Dalit voters, particularly the Dusadh community. It also pre-empts any opposition attempt to claim the Paswan legacy, effectively planting the NDA's flag on a legacy that transcends party lines. The timing — on the death anniversary, in a coalition environment — is deliberate and clinically precise.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary make an announcement about Ram Vilas Paswan?
CM Choudhary made the announcement on 8 October 2026, Ram Vilas Paswan's sixth death anniversary, declaring that Paswan's birthday — 5 July — will be observed as an official state ceremony in Bihar from 2027.
When is Ram Vilas Paswan's birthday?
Ram Vilas Paswan was born on 5 July 1946 in Khagaria district, Bihar. His birthday will now be an official state ceremony in Bihar.
When did Ram Vilas Paswan pass away?
Ram Vilas Paswan passed away on 8 October 2020. His death anniversary is observed on 8 October each year.
What awards did Ram Vilas Paswan receive?
Ram Vilas Paswan was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his lifelong public service and contribution to social justice.
What is the significance of Bihar declaring Paswan's birthday a state ceremony?
It places Ram Vilas Paswan's legacy in the category of formally recognised historical figures in Bihar, institutionalising annual government-level commemorations and reinforcing the ruling NDA alliance's ties with the Paswan political family.
