Bihar Assembly elections 2025: Chirag Paswan strengthens footing in NDA with LJP(RV)’s strong showing

Chirag Paswan consolidated his position in the National Democratic Alliance as his Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) won 19 of the 29 seats it contested. 17 of these seats were previously held by the Mahagathbandhan in the 2020 elections, bringing new gains to the ruling coalition and helping it cross the 200-seat target.

The LJP(RV) was formed in 2021 after Mr Paswan’s uncle, Pashupati Nath Paras, engineered a split by taking four out of five Lok Sabha MPs less than a year after the death of party founder Ram Vilas Paswan. Even during Ram Vilas Paswan’s lifetime, the party struggled to gain a strong foothold in the Assembly. Its best performance was in February 2005, when it won 29 seats; but the result was short-lived; Indecision over which coalition to support led to a second election later that year.

Ram Vilas Paswan and Nitish Kumar also had their share of differences. In 2007, during his first term, Mr. Kumar created the Mahadalit category to provide special assistance to the most marginalized Scheduled Castes. 21 of the 22 sub-castes were included, excluding the Paswan community, which created resentment and widened the dispute.

Chirag Paswan continued his father’s anti-NIT stance. His campaign in 2020 revolved around the slogan “Modi se bair nahi, Nitish teri khair nahi”. It fielded 143 candidates, mostly against the JD(U), but the LJP won only one seat and its sole MLA defected to the JD(U) within a few months. JD(U) also suffered and fell to 43 seats behind RJD and BJP.

The 2025 elections mark the first time that LJP and JD(U) are contesting on the same side. Given their fraught history, doubts remained about their ability to work together. Both sides have made visible efforts to repair ties. Chirag Paswan softened criticism against the State government. Ahead of the campaign, he was considering contesting the Assembly elections and had announced his intention by addressing public rallies in Shahbad and Nalanda. According to sources, the BJP directed him to withdraw as the NDA is keen to ensure that Nitish Kumar remains the undisputed face of the Prime Minister’s Office. Mr. Kumar reciprocated by visiting Mr. Paswan’s home in Patna during Chhath and spending time with his family; This was a symbolic gesture aimed at signaling unity to both LJP(RV) and JD(U) cadres.