Image Source : News18
As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has expressed strong confidence in the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) prospects, asserting that Nitish Kumar remains a pivotal and unshakable leader for the alliance. Chirag struck a confident tone, forecasting a robust NDA win of over 225 seats in the 243-member state assembly—a result that would reaffirm the coalition’s dominance in Bihar politics.
Key Highlights From Chirag Paswan’s Statements
Chirag Paswan ruled out any ambition for the chief minister’s post in 2025, stating his personal political plans are aimed at 2030 and 2035, underscoring his focus on consolidating NDA strength for now.
He firmly rejected narratives that paint Nitish Kumar as the weak link, crediting him for strong leadership that commands widespread support within Bihar.
Paswan indicated that NDA partners have unanimously decided on Nitish Kumar’s leadership for the upcoming election, reflecting alliance unity and strategic coherence.
Praising the recent bypoll results where NDA won four critical seats, he cited the victories as proof of the alliance’s growing momentum and popular backing.
LJP (Ram Vilas) chief emphasized that while his party may not win many seats independently, its contribution in vote margins could decisively tilt multi-cornered contests in NDA’s favor.
He forecast a possible tally of 225 seats for NDA, asserting confidence based on ground realities and election trends.
Paswan ruled out any post-poll alliance with opposition entities such as the Jan Suraaj Party led by Prashant Kishor, reaffirming NDA’s cohesive front.
He made sharp observations criticizing the opposition INDIA bloc for unclear leadership choices and instability impacting voter confidence.
Paswan dismissed Jitan Ram Manjhi’s seat demands as pre-negotiation posturing, indicating seat-sharing talks remain fluid but anchored in alliance interests.
Alliance Dynamics And Seat Sharing Scenario
Negotiations are ongoing among NDA constituents, particularly concerning seat allocations between BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), and smaller partners like HAM (S) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. BJP and JD(U) are set to contest roughly equal seats, with LJP demanding a significant share reflecting its 100% success in recent Lok Sabha elections and vote share gains.
Chirag Paswan’s rising stature in the NDA underscores his balancing role between BJP’s stronghold and JD(U)’s elder brother status under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. His strategic positioning signals both opportunity and pressure, as his party’s vote transfer capabilities could prove decisive in tight contests.
Political Context And Challenges Ahead
Despite Chirag Paswan’s confidence, Bihar’s political landscape remains highly competitive. Opposition alliances led by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) continue aggressive campaigns, while independent projections and poll strategist analyses suggest a close contest rather than a landslide.
Nitish Kumar’s health and leadership longevity have been debated, yet the present alliance cohesion and recent electoral performance bolster his position as the NDA’s face in Bihar. Chirag’s rhetoric seeks to neutralize any perceived leadership vulnerabilities while projecting optimism.
Looking Forward To The Poll Outcome
Chirag Paswan’s public affirmations set a confident tone for NDA’s campaign, focusing on unity, strategic seat sharing, and voter mobilization. His acknowledgment of incremental seat gains, vote margin contributions, and alliance solidarity reflects a calculated strategy to secure electoral success.
The final seat-sharing arrangement and campaign intensity in the coming weeks will shape Bihar’s political future, with Nitish Kumar’s leadership and Chirag Paswan’s role integral to NDA’s prospects.
Sources: Times of India, NDTV, Deccan Herald, Indian Express, New Indian Express
Advertisement
Advertisement
