Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 5 July paid tributes to former Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on his birth anniversary, honouring the Dalit leader's lifelong commitment to the upliftment of marginalised and deprived sections of society. Senior cabinet ministers including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh also joined in marking the occasion, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) held commemorative events across Bihar.

Who Was Ram Vilas Paswan

Ram Vilas Paswan, born on 5 July 1946 in Khagaria, Bihar, was the founder of the Lok Janshakti Party and one of independent India's most enduring parliamentary figures. He served as a member of both Houses of Parliament — nine times in the Lok Sabha and twice in the Rajya Sabha. During the first two terms of the Modi government, he held the Cabinet portfolio of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, a ministry central to welfare delivery for millions of low-income households.

What the Prime Minister Said

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi wrote: 'On the birth anniversary of former Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan ji, my heartfelt tribute to him. He made significant contributions to the upliftment of society's deprived and weaker sections. He will always be remembered for his dedication to public service and national service.'

Responding to the Prime Minister's tribute, Chirag Paswan, Ram Vilas Paswan's son and incumbent Union Minister, and chief of LJP (RV), expressed gratitude: 'Your respectful words are an inspiration to all of us. The ideals of social justice, service, and equality of the revered Shri Ram Vilas Paswan ji will forever continue to guide us.'

Cabinet Ministers Pay Homage

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, posting on X, recalled Paswan's resistance during the Emergency, stating he 'waged a long struggle to protect democratic values and civil rights, enduring numerous tortures.' Shah described Paswan's contributions to democracy and nation-building as 'a source of inspiration.'

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Paswan's public life was 'dedicated to social justice, democratic values, and the struggle for the rights of Dalits, backward classes, and the deprived,' adding that he 'always placed human sensitivities above all' and worked to ensure that those at the bottom of society received 'justice, opportunity, and respect.'

Bihar Events and Party Observances

Across Bihar, the birth anniversary was marked with ceremonies and tribute programmes. A grand event was held at the LJP (RV) state office in Patna, attended by party office-bearers and workers from multiple districts. Utsav Seth, Youth District Working President of LJP (RV) in Gaya, said 35 to 40 workers from the party's youth wing would travel to Patna for the occasion. Banners and posters were also displayed across Gaya city in his memory.

Paswan, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, remains a foundational figure in the politics of Dalit representation in Bihar and nationally. His legacy continues to shape the political identity of the party he built.