Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) founder Chirag Paswan will contest the Hajipur Lok Sabha seat in Bihar against uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras. Speaking exclusively to ABP News, the Jamui MP said that he will be the NDA’s candidate from Hajipur.
He said the official announcement of the NDA candidates will be made in 4-5 days.
Replying to a question on whether he had “betrayed” his uncle, Chirag Paswan said: “Raajneeti mein samay vyakti se balwan hota hai [in politics time is stronger than a person]. My discussions [in the NDA] were party just about the seats that we were strong in. We only wanted our seats. The final decision on seat distribution was taken by the BJP-led alliance.”
Pashupati Paras’s Exit From NDA
Chirag Paswan on March 13 finalised the seat-sharing deal within the NDA for his LJP (Ram Vilas). The party reportedly managed to secure candidature on 5 seats. However, Pashupati Paras’s RLJP could not bag any deal in the NDA. Following this, Paras, who was a Union minister in the Narendra Modi Cabinet, resigned from his post. According to sources, he is now in talks with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD and is seeking an entry into the Opposition I.N.D.I.A fold.
Did Chirag Paswan Orchestrate Uncle’s NDA Exit
Chirag’s absence from PM Modi’s Bihar rallies sparked the speculation that he was arm-twisting the BJP into ousting his uncle Pashupati Paras from the NDA. According to sources, he wanted more seats than allotted to his party. However, he agreed to let go of his demand in lieu of the ouster of the RLJP. With Pashupati’s exit, the way for the LJP (Ram Vilas) was clear as it had fewer entities to fight with for seats within the NDA and could field more candidates.
Chirag dismissed allegations of pressuring the BJP to oust his uncle. “I am not big in comparison to the BJP that I can engage in pressure politics… I have no need to do these things. I can only fight for my right.”
The Hajipur Rivalry
The rivalry between the two is centred around the claim to Ram Vilas Paswan’s legacy. Both want the Hajipur seat, which Ram Vilas Paswan won 8 times. While Pashupati Paras is the sitting MP from Hajipur, Chirag is an MP from Jamui. Chirag said: “Hajipur is the region where I should fulfil my duties as Ram Vilas Paswan’s son… My relation with Hajipur started back in my childhood. It’s about my responsibilities… Nothing else.”
