Chirag Paswan: The New Dalit Icon in Bihar Politics

Chirag Paswan, leader of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), has emerged as a pivotal figure in Bihar's political scene. Recently inducted into Narendra Modi's government, he secured all five Lok Sabha seats allocated to his party in the NDA alliance, affirming his status as the new Dalit icon.

Chirag Paswan, the leader of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), has firmly established his position as the legitimate political successor to his father, Ram Vilas Paswan. In a dramatic development, Chirag was inducted into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on Sunday, marking a noteworthy comeback in Bihar's volatile political climate.

Chirag's rapid ascent was underscored by winning all five Lok Sabha seats assigned to the party in the NDA alliance during the recent elections, maintaining an impressive 100 per cent strike rate. This remarkable achievement has propelled him to the forefront as the new Dalit icon in Bihar politics, eclipsing numerous veteran politicians.

The triumph stands in stark contrast to the 2019 elections when the LJP, led by Ram Vilas Paswan, won all six seats allocated to it. The political drama escalated in June 2021 when Chirag's uncle, Pashupati Kumar Paras, executed a midnight coup, ousting Chirag from key party positions and securing a cabinet spot in Modi's government, leaving Chirag to navigate political isolation.

The turning point came during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when the BJP, recognizing Chirag's steadfastness and popular support, allocated five crucial seats to him under their seat-sharing agreement, sidelining the Paras faction despite its backing from four MPs.

Defying all adversities, LJP (RV) fielded candidates in key constituencies including Hajipur, Vaishali, Samastipur, Khagaria, and Jamui. Chirag's victories, achieved independently of his father's direct guidance, highlight his resolve. He is committed to advancing his father's vision through the 'Bihar first, Bihari first' agenda, with a goal of transforming the state.

Chirag, against all predictions of his political decline, has silenced his critics. His leadership was further cemented when he was elected as the LJP (RV) Parliamentary Party leader in a dramatic assembly at his Delhi residence on Friday.

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