Vamsikrishna

Chirag Paswan has emerged as a significant force within the NDA ahead of the Bihar elections. His party secured a substantial 29 seats in seat-sharing talks, more than any other junior ally. This success, coupled with a 100% win rate in the Lok Sabha polls, bolsters his bargaining power and positions him as a potential kingmaker in government formation.  NEW DELHI: When Ram Vilas Paswan, Bihar’s legendary political “weatherman,” passed away in 2020, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) seemed at a crossroads. His son, Chirag Paswan, stepped in to lead the party, inheriting both the mantle and the expectations of a Dalit political legacy.Since taking over, Chirag has sought to modernise the party’s image, balance traditional constituency support, and stake a claim in the larger NDA alliance. His induction into the Union cabinet added national credibility and signalled his clout within the NDA. Now, he faces another test, the 2025 Bihar assembly elections — a test of both his leadership and political strategy.Bihar Elections: NDA Announces Seat Sharing Deal; BJP, JDU Get 101 Seats Each; LJP(R) Bags 29 SeatsHowever, even before November 14, when votes are counted, Chirag has already emerged as a winner in terms of influence and positioning within the NDA alliance.The seat-sharing surpriseChirag’s negotiation skills were on full display during NDA seat-sharing talks. Engaging in multiple rounds of discussions with senior BJP and JD(U) leaders, Chirag held firm on his demands until favourable terms were agreed upon.As a result, LJP(RV) secured 29 seats, making it the largest junior ally in the NDA. As BJP and JD(U) settled for 101 seats each, other smaller allies, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM, were allotted only six seats each.This elevated seat share signals Chirag’s rising clout in Bihar politics and marks him as a key player in post-election arithmetic, irrespective of the NDA’s overall performance.The bargaining powerChirag Paswan’s electoral performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls strengthened his bargaining position. LJP(RV) contested five seats in Bihar and won all five, registering a 100% success rate. The party also secured a nearly 6% statewide vote share, demonstrating that Chirag can mobilise voters beyond the party’s traditional Paswan-Dalit base.In previous assembly elections, LJP(RV) had a mixed record, but the Lok Sabha sweep has cemented Chirag’s reputation as a vote-getter. This electoral credit seems to have not only boosted his confidence during alliance talks but also forced larger NDA partners to accommodate his demands on both the number and strategic importance of constituencies.The kingmaker potentialThe BJP is probably looking at Chirag not merely as a junior partner but also as a strategic asset. With chief minister Nitish Kumar seeking a 10th term, the 29 LJP(RV) seats could prove pivotal in government formation.Chirag’s willingness to challenge, renegotiate, or even realign his party at short notice adds another layer of influence. Political insiders suggest that the LJP(RV) leader could emerge as a kingmaker, shaping both cabinet formation and NDA’s legislative strategy post-elections.Beyond caste politics – the youth factorChirag is working to transform the party’s image, positioning LJP(RV) as a pan-Bihar force rather than a purely caste-based outfit. His “Bihar First, Bihari First” campaign is emphasising on development, youth employment and governance reform.The strategy resonated with first-time voters and women, especially in urban and semi-urban pockets, who have traditionally been ambivalent about caste-based politics. If this outreach succeeds, Chirag could translate his traditional base into a broader mandate, enhancing his bargaining power in future coalition politics.With more seats than any other smaller ally, a proven track record in the Lok Sabha, negotiation leverage, kingmaker potential, and a growing voter base beyond his traditional Paswan constituency, Chirag Paswan enters the 2025 Bihar assembly elections as the biggest NDA gainer.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRajnath Singh, Yogi Adityanath Flag Off First Batch of BrahMos Missiles from Lucknow UnitShah Avoids Naming Bihar CM Face, Says Bihar CM to Be Decided by Elected MLAsPriyanka Chaturvedi Urges BCCI To Stand Against Pak-Sponsored Terror After Afghan Cricketers’ Death’Operation Sindoor Was Only A Trailer’: Rajnath Singh Issues New ‘BrahMos’ Warning To PakistanWhat About Trump?: Cong Fires Back at ‘Pravachan Baba’ Modi After PM Attacks Rahul on Maoist ProblemPM Modi Blasts Rahul Gandhi Without Naming, Accuses Congress Of Protecting Maoists Despite ViolenceViolent Protests in Dhaka Over Bangladesh’s Updated National Charter Ahead of Crucial ElectionsDonald Trump Boasts He Can Solve The Pakistan-Afghanistan War, Says ‘That’s An Easy One For Me’Trump Doubles Down on Russian Oil Bluff Despite MEA Fact-Check, Repeats India-Pak Ceasefire ClaimPak-Afghan Border Clash: Airstrike Kills 3 Afghan Cricketers, ACB and Rashid Khan Blast Islamabad123 Photostories  Did you know Harvard University started under a different name? 6 surprising facts about its history and legacyMrunal Thakur’s cobalt saree look is breaking the internet7 subway-style sandwiches to make at homeDiwali 2025: Keerthy Suresh-Antony Thattil to Naga Chaitanya-Sobitha Dhulipala; South stars, who celebrate Thala DiwaliFrom Luidia superba to Luidia magnifica : 8 starfish known for their massive sizeTHIS Bollywood star gave 33 consecutive flops and still rose to the top, bagged the Padma BhushanChennai’s Madhya Kailash Set for Signal-Free Upgrade by November L-Shaped Flyover to Ease Traffic for 11,000 Vehicles Every Hour OMR–Sardar Patel Road Link to Streamline City’s Busiest Junction (In photos)Punjabi family entertainers to watch this Diwali: ‘Angrej’ to ‘Uda Aida’Mumbai–Pune Electric Corridor: First Made-in-India Electric Heavy-Duty Truck with Battery Swapping and Unlimited Range By Blue Energy Motors; Marking a Milestone Toward Future-Ready TransportFromSobhitaDhulipala, Naga Chaitanya,AadarJain to PrajaktaKoli: Stars who will celebrate their first Diwali post marriage123Hot PicksGold Silver PriceRiyadh AirBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingCardi BMega Lucario and Riolu Early in PokemonAdam SandlerCharlotte Hornets vs New York KnicksCardi B PregnancyBad BunnyDuke RoufusCarolina HurricanesLeon DraisaitlStephanie Lachances

Chirag Paswan has emerged as a significant force within the NDA ahead of the Bihar elections. His party secured a substantial 29 seats in seat-sharing talks, more than any other junior ally. This success, coupled with a 100% win rate in the Lok Sabha polls, bolsters his bargaining power and positions him as a potential kingmaker in government formation. NEW DELHI: When Ram Vilas Paswan, Bihar’s legendary political “weatherman,” passed away in 2020, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) seemed at a crossroads. His son, Chirag Paswan, stepped in to lead the party, inheriting both the mantle and the expectations of a Dalit political legacy.Since taking over, Chirag has sought to modernise the party’s image, balance traditional constituency support, and stake a claim in the larger NDA alliance. His induction into the Union cabinet added national credibility and signalled his clout within the NDA. Now, he faces another test, the 2025 Bihar assembly elections — a test of both his leadership and political strategy.Bihar Elections: NDA Announces Seat Sharing Deal; BJP, JDU Get 101 Seats Each; LJP(R) Bags 29 SeatsHowever, even before November 14, when votes are counted, Chirag has already emerged as a winner in terms of influence and positioning within the NDA alliance.The seat-sharing surpriseChirag’s negotiation skills were on full display during NDA seat-sharing talks. Engaging in multiple rounds of discussions with senior BJP and JD(U) leaders, Chirag held firm on his demands until favourable terms were agreed upon.As a result, LJP(RV) secured 29 seats, making it the largest junior ally in the NDA. As BJP and JD(U) settled for 101 seats each, other smaller allies, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM, were allotted only six seats each.This elevated seat share signals Chirag’s rising clout in Bihar politics and marks him as a key player in post-election arithmetic, irrespective of the NDA’s overall performance.The bargaining powerChirag Paswan’s electoral performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls strengthened his bargaining position. LJP(RV) contested five seats in Bihar and won all five, registering a 100% success rate. The party also secured a nearly 6% statewide vote share, demonstrating that Chirag can mobilise voters beyond the party’s traditional Paswan-Dalit base.In previous assembly elections, LJP(RV) had a mixed record, but the Lok Sabha sweep has cemented Chirag’s reputation as a vote-getter. This electoral credit seems to have not only boosted his confidence during alliance talks but also forced larger NDA partners to accommodate his demands on both the number and strategic importance of constituencies.The kingmaker potentialThe BJP is probably looking at Chirag not merely as a junior partner but also as a strategic asset. With chief minister Nitish Kumar seeking a 10th term, the 29 LJP(RV) seats could prove pivotal in government formation.Chirag’s willingness to challenge, renegotiate, or even realign his party at short notice adds another layer of influence. Political insiders suggest that the LJP(RV) leader could emerge as a kingmaker, shaping both cabinet formation and NDA’s legislative strategy post-elections.Beyond caste politics – the youth factorChirag is working to transform the party’s image, positioning LJP(RV) as a pan-Bihar force rather than a purely caste-based outfit. His “Bihar First, Bihari First” campaign is emphasising on development, youth employment and governance reform.The strategy resonated with first-time voters and women, especially in urban and semi-urban pockets, who have traditionally been ambivalent about caste-based politics. If this outreach succeeds, Chirag could translate his traditional base into a broader mandate, enhancing his bargaining power in future coalition politics.With more seats than any other smaller ally, a proven track record in the Lok Sabha, negotiation leverage, kingmaker potential, and a growing voter base beyond his traditional Paswan constituency, Chirag Paswan enters the 2025 Bihar assembly elections as the biggest NDA gainer.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRajnath Singh, Yogi Adityanath Flag Off First Batch of BrahMos Missiles from Lucknow UnitShah Avoids Naming Bihar CM Face, Says Bihar CM to Be Decided by Elected MLAsPriyanka Chaturvedi Urges BCCI To Stand Against Pak-Sponsored Terror After Afghan Cricketers’ Death’Operation Sindoor Was Only A Trailer’: Rajnath Singh Issues New ‘BrahMos’ Warning To PakistanWhat About Trump?: Cong Fires Back at ‘Pravachan Baba’ Modi After PM Attacks Rahul on Maoist ProblemPM Modi Blasts Rahul Gandhi Without Naming, Accuses Congress Of Protecting Maoists Despite ViolenceViolent Protests in Dhaka Over Bangladesh’s Updated National Charter Ahead of Crucial ElectionsDonald Trump Boasts He Can Solve The Pakistan-Afghanistan War, Says ‘That’s An Easy One For Me’Trump Doubles Down on Russian Oil Bluff Despite MEA Fact-Check, Repeats India-Pak Ceasefire ClaimPak-Afghan Border Clash: Airstrike Kills 3 Afghan Cricketers, ACB and Rashid Khan Blast Islamabad123 Photostories Did you know Harvard University started under a different name? 6 surprising facts about its history and legacyMrunal Thakur’s cobalt saree look is breaking the internet7 subway-style sandwiches to make at homeDiwali 2025: Keerthy Suresh-Antony Thattil to Naga Chaitanya-Sobitha Dhulipala; South stars, who celebrate Thala DiwaliFrom Luidia superba to Luidia magnifica : 8 starfish known for their massive sizeTHIS Bollywood star gave 33 consecutive flops and still rose to the top, bagged the Padma BhushanChennai’s Madhya Kailash Set for Signal-Free Upgrade by November L-Shaped Flyover to Ease Traffic for 11,000 Vehicles Every Hour OMR–Sardar Patel Road Link to Streamline City’s Busiest Junction (In photos)Punjabi family entertainers to watch this Diwali: ‘Angrej’ to ‘Uda Aida’Mumbai–Pune Electric Corridor: First Made-in-India Electric Heavy-Duty Truck with Battery Swapping and Unlimited Range By Blue Energy Motors; Marking a Milestone Toward Future-Ready TransportFromSobhitaDhulipala, Naga Chaitanya,AadarJain to PrajaktaKoli: Stars who will celebrate their first Diwali post marriage123Hot PicksGold Silver PriceRiyadh AirBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingCardi BMega Lucario and Riolu Early in PokemonAdam SandlerCharlotte Hornets vs New York KnicksCardi B PregnancyBad BunnyDuke RoufusCarolina HurricanesLeon DraisaitlStephanie Lachances

NEW DELHI: When Ram Vilas Paswan, Bihar’s legendary political “weatherman,” passed away in 2020, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) seemed at a crossroads. His son, Chirag Paswan, stepped in to lead the party, inheriting both the mantle and the expectations of a Dalit political legacy.Since taking over, Chirag has sought to modernise the party’s…

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