Chirag Paswan, the head of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in Bihar, recently took the oath as a minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet. He won in the Lok Sabha elections from the Hajipur constituency. Securing a massive win with 6.14 lakh votes, he marked a significant turning point in his political journey. Chirag defeated his closest rival by over 1.7 lakh votes. Paswan has emerged as a prominent leader in Bihar and on the national stage.
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A Symbolic Victory
Chirag Paswan’s decision to contest from the Hajipur seat has deep symbolism. Everyone knows this constituency was represented eight times by his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan. He was a towering Dalit leader in Bihar. Under Chirag Paswan’s leadership, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) achieved a remarkable feat, securing victories in all five Lok Sabha seats it contested in Bihar.
Navigating Turbulent Times
Many challenges and tribulations marked Chirag Paswan’s political journey. After the demise of his father in 2020, a familial and political discord arose between Chirag and his uncle Pashupati Paras. Despite these obstacles, Chirag led his party independently in the 2020 Bihar Assembly polls, strategically fielding candidates in JD(U) constituencies, which significantly impacted the performance of the Nitish Kumar-led party, reducing their seat count from over 70 in 2015 to just 43 in 2020.
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The LJP Split
In 2021, the internal strife deepened, leading to a split in the LJP, with Paras leading one faction and Chirag leading the other. This discord resulted in Paras taking five of the six LJP MPs with him, leaving his nephew’s faction with just one MP and no MLAs. Despite these setbacks, Chirag remained steadfast in his loyalty to Narendra Modi and the BJP.
Resurgence and Victory
Recognizing Chirag’s growing influence, the BJP welcomed him back into the NDA fold in 2023. In the seat-sharing negotiations for the Lok Sabha polls, Chirag’s faction secured all five Bihar Lok Sabha seats, including Hajipur, sidelining Paras. Chirag contested from Hajipur, a crucial battle that he won convincingly, solidifying his claim as the true heir to his father’s political legacy.
The Road to Success
Chirag Paswan’s journey from a brief stint in Bollywood to becoming a minister in the Modi 3.0 cabinet showcases his resilience, strategic acumen, and political astuteness. His ability to navigate through internal rifts, contest independently, and secure a resounding victory demonstrates his emergence as a formidable leader, not just in Bihar but on the national stage. With his induction into the Modi 3.0 cabinet, Chirag Paswan is well-poised to expand his influence beyond Bihar, stepping onto the national stage with great promise.
The Rise of Chirag Paswan
Chirag Paswan’s ascent from being a failed actor to a prominent minister in the Modi 3.0 cabinet is a testament to his unwavering determination and political prowess. His victory in the Lok Sabha elections and subsequent induction into the cabinet mark a new chapter in his political career, signifying his growing influence and leadership on the national stage. With his strategic maneuvers, bold decisions, and resounding electoral triumph, Chirag Paswan has carved a significant place for himself in Indian politics, earning recognition as a key leader with the potential to shape the political landscape in the years to come.