Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 5 July 2026, paid a heartfelt tribute to former Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on his birth anniversary, honouring his lifelong dedication to the upliftment of marginalised communities and service to the nation.

Posting in Hindi on X, Modi wrote: 'पूर्व केंद्रीय मंत्री रामविलास पासवान जी की जयंती पर उन्हें मेरी भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि।' ['On the birth anniversary of former Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan ji, my heartfelt tribute to him.'] The Prime Minister noted that Paswan made significant contributions to the upliftment of the deprived and weaker sections of society, and that he would always be remembered for his dedication to public service and national service.

Context

Ram Vilas Paswan was one of Bihar's most prominent political figures, known for building a durable electoral base among Dalit voters across successive Lok Sabha elections. He founded the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in 2000, which became a significant force in Bihar's political landscape and a key ally within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Paswan passed away in October 2020 while serving as a Union Minister.

His political career spanned several decades and multiple governments, making him one of the few leaders to have served in cabinets across party lines. His ability to navigate coalition politics while consistently championing Dalit and marginalised communities earned him wide respect.

Policy Backdrop

Paswan served as Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution during the first NDA government under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 1998 to 2004. He returned to the same portfolio in 2014 under Prime Minister Modi and held it until his death in 2020, playing a central role in food security policy and the implementation of the National Food Security Act.

His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen the public distribution system and ensure welfare entitlements reached the most vulnerable sections of Indian society, particularly Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Stakeholders and Impact

Dalit communities across Bihar and other states continue to regard Paswan as a symbol of political representation and social justice. His legacy remains a reference point in conversations around affirmative action and equitable governance in India.

The LJP (Ram Vilas) faction, now led by his son Chirag Paswan, continues to carry forward his political identity within the NDA framework. Modi's public tribute reinforces the alliance's acknowledgement of Paswan's foundational role and the importance of the LJP's constituency to the broader NDA coalition.

What's Next

The LJP (Ram Vilas) faction's role in upcoming Bihar assembly elections and NDA seat-sharing negotiations will be closely watched, as the party seeks to consolidate its base among Dalit voters in the state. Chirag Paswan's ability to sustain his father's political legacy while navigating coalition dynamics will be a key factor in shaping Bihar's electoral arithmetic.

Tributes from senior NDA leadership on Paswan's birth anniversary signal continued efforts to honour the alliance's social justice commitments and maintain cohesion among coalition partners ahead of future electoral contests.