RJD targets Chirag Paswan over Swatantra Bhardwaj assault video
Synopsis
A podcast clip in which Swatantra Bhardwaj allegedly boasts about assaulting Nishu Azad's father — causing 60-stitch injuries — and name-drops Chirag Paswan and Kapil Mishra as supporters has triggered a sharp political row in Bihar. The RJD is pressing the question: can a Dalit icon shield a man accused of attacking a Dalit activist?
Key Takeaways
The RJD has attacked Chirag Paswan over a viral podcast video featuring Swatantra Bhardwaj , accused of assaulting the father of student activist Nishu Azad .
In the clip, Bhardwaj allegedly claims the victim suffered injuries requiring 60 stitches and references Section 307 IPC (attempt to murder).
Bhardwaj names Chirag Paswan and BJP leader Kapil Mishra as his 'elder brothers' and claims their support in the video.
Chirag Paswan denied the allegations and himself demanded action against Bhardwaj .
Police have reportedly assured Bhardwaj's arrest is imminent; no arrest was confirmed as of 4 September .
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on 4 September escalated its political offensive against Union Food Processing Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJP-RV) president Chirag Paswan, citing a viral podcast video in which Swatantra Bhardwaj — accused of assaulting the father of student activist Nishu Azad — allegedly boasts about the attack and claims the support of senior political figures. The controversy has drawn in multiple parties and prompted a police assurance of imminent arrest.
What the Viral Video Shows
In the podcast clip shared by the RJD on social media, Bhardwaj reportedly claims he attacked Nishu Azad's father during a protest, stating the victim sustained injuries requiring 60 stitches. He allegedly refers to the incident as one that could attract charges under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code — which pertains to attempt to murder.
In the same clip, Bhardwaj claims he was not arrested after the incident and attributes his freedom to what he describes as the blessings of 'Lord Balaji'. He also names Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kapil Mishra and Chirag Paswan as his 'elder brothers', claiming their support.
RJD's Political Attack on Chirag Paswan
The RJD has used the video to mount a pointed challenge against Paswan, questioning how he can position himself as a champion of Dalit rights while allegedly shielding a person accused of attacking a Dalit social activist and her father. The party alleged that Bhardwaj had remained free because of political patronage.
This comes amid broader opposition scrutiny of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s record on Dalit welfare — a fault line that opposition parties have sought to widen ahead of upcoming state elections in Bihar.
Chirag Paswan Denies, Demands Action
Chirag Paswan has rejected the allegations, saying attempts are being made to defame him and his party. Notably, he has also called for action against Swatantra Bhardwaj over the remarks made in the viral video — a move that distances him from the accused even as the RJD insists on his complicity.
Police Response and CJP Intervention
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) intervened in the matter, following which police reportedly assured that Bhardwaj would be arrested soon in connection with the case. As of 4 September, no arrest had been confirmed. Further action is expected as the investigation progresses.
The episode marks the latest flashpoint in Bihar's charged political environment, where Dalit identity, law enforcement accountability, and coalition politics frequently intersect.
Point of View
Yet the video — however disputed — shows an accused attacker invoking Paswan's name as political cover. Paswan's decision to demand action against Bhardwaj is tactically sound but does not fully close the reputational gap. The deeper issue is the Bihar pattern of accused individuals remaining at large when political affiliations are alleged — a pattern the opposition will continue to weaponise. Whether police follow through on the arrest assurance will be the real test of institutional independence here.
NationPress
4 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the RJD attacking Chirag Paswan over the Swatantra Bhardwaj video?
The RJD alleges that Chirag Paswan shielded Swatantra Bhardwaj, who is accused of assaulting the father of Dalit student activist Nishu Azad. In a viral podcast clip, Bhardwaj reportedly names Paswan as an 'elder brother' and claims his support, which the RJD says contradicts Paswan's image as a Dalit rights champion.
What does Swatantra Bhardwaj claim in the viral video?
In the podcast clip, Bhardwaj allegedly claims he attacked Nishu Azad's father during a protest, causing injuries that required 60 stitches. He also says the incident could attract Section 307 IPC charges and that he was not arrested after the attack.
How has Chirag Paswan responded to the controversy?
Chirag Paswan has denied the allegations, saying efforts are being made to defame him and his party. He has also demanded that action be taken against Swatantra Bhardwaj for the remarks made in the viral video.
Has Swatantra Bhardwaj been arrested?
As of 4 September, no arrest had been confirmed. Police reportedly assured that Bhardwaj would be arrested soon after the Cockroach Janta Party intervened in the matter.
