Justice, Legacy, and Leadership: PM Modi’s Emotional Salute to Ram Vilas Paswan

Image Source: India Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid a moving tribute to former Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) founder Ram Vilas Paswan on his birth anniversary, lauding his lifelong dedication to social justice and empowerment of the marginalized. In his message, PM Modi remembered Paswan as one of India's most experienced parliamentarians and administrators, whose contributions to public service and the upliftment of the downtrodden will always be cherished.

"पूर्व केंद्रीय मंत्री रामविलास पासवान जी को उनकी जयंती पर विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि। उनका संपूर्ण जीवन सामाजिक न्याय को समर्पित रहा। दलितों, पिछड़ों और वंचितों के अधिकारों के लिए उनके संघर्ष को कभी भुलाया नहीं जा सकता।" — PM Modi

Paswan, who passed away in October 2020, served as a minister in several governments across the political spectrum, including those led by the BJP, Congress, and socialist groups. He was widely recognized for championing the rights of Dalits, backward classes, and the underprivileged, playing a pivotal role in the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations.

The Prime Minister expressed his personal loss, stating, "Today is the birth anniversary of my friend, late Ram Vilas Paswan Ji. I miss his presence greatly. He was one of India’s most experienced Parliamentarians and administrators. His contributions to public service and empowering the downtrodden will always be remembered."

Key Highlights:

PM Modi honored Paswan’s lifelong commitment to social justice and his tireless work for Dalits, backward classes, and the marginalized.
Described Paswan as a friend and a stalwart of Indian politics, admired for his administrative acumen and parliamentary experience.
Recalled Paswan’s role across multiple governments, highlighting his cross-party appeal and influence on national policy, especially for the underprivileged.
LJP’s internal legacy battle continues: On this anniversary, Paswan’s son Chirag Paswan and his brother Pashupati Kumar Paras remain embroiled in a leadership tussle, both seeking to uphold his political heritage.
Chirag Paswan to launch a yatra from Hajipur, his father’s traditional Lok Sabha seat, to rally support and honor his father’s memory.

Source:

PM India, Hindustan Times, India Today, NDTV, Navbharat Times