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Paswan, a union cabinet minister, has been openly critical of the Nitish Kumar-led state government, particularly on issues of law and order
Chirag Paswan’s assertiveness is a double-edged sword. While it energises his core support base, it risks alienating JD(U) allies and weakening the collective leadership image. File pic/PTI
With the Bihar assembly elections approaching, the BJP has intervened to address growing tensions within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), triggered by a series of aggressive statements from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan.
Paswan, a union cabinet minister, has been openly critical of the Nitish Kumar-led state government, particularly on issues of law and order. His repeated remarks have not only unsettled members within the alliance but also raised questions about his intentions, especially after hinting at contesting the assembly elections himself.
These signals have created unease within NDA ranks. The BJP, sensing the risk of fragmentation just before a crucial electoral battle, is expected to hold a closed-door meeting with Chirag soon. Sources suggest that the party leadership will deliver a clear and firm message: maintain alliance discipline, avoid sending mixed signals, and focus on presenting a united front.
While Chirag’s confrontational style is part of his youthful political image, Bharatiya Janata Party insiders acknowledge it may harm the coalition’s cohesion. They argue that his sharp criticisms not only embolden the opposition Mahagathbandhan but also cast doubts over the NDA’s internal unity and leadership structure.
This isn’t the first time the BJP has urged Chirag to moderate his rhetoric. However, this intervention is expected to be more direct. The BJP’s assessment is straightforward—Bihar elections are often closely contested, and even marginal vote swings can change the outcomes. In such a scenario, the NDA speaking in one voice becomes a strategic necessity.
Over the past months, the BJP has worked to reinforce this unity at the grassroots level. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rallies have been projected as symbols of alliance solidarity. Joint programmes featuring leaders from the BJP, JD(U), LJP, RLP, and HAM have been conducted across districts. The message is clear: every candidate, regardless of party, will be fighting as a representative of the NDA.
Seat-sharing discussions are already underway, with a broad formula in place to be finalised after the election announcement. Despite minor rebellions during ticket distribution, the NDA is committed to sticking to a collective strategy.
Chirag’s recent signals, including a possible entry into the assembly race, have stirred speculation. While his supporters insist he may contest, Chirag has maintained that the final decision rests with the party. Politically, this is viewed less as a serious chief ministerial bid—given the NDA’s clear support for Nitish Kumar’s leadership—and more as a strategic move to negotiate a larger share of seats.
For the BJP, Nitish Kumar remains the face of its Bihar campaign. The party continues to back the Janata Dal (United) chief, citing consistent popularity in internal surveys. Moreover, BJP leaders believe opposition attacks on Nitish’s health or leadership will not resonate with voters, who typically reject personal criticism.
Chirag Paswan’s assertiveness is a double-edged sword. While it energises his core support base, it risks alienating JD(U) allies and weakening the collective leadership image. The BJP, often the balancing force between LJP and JD(U) since the days of Ram Vilas Paswan, is once again stepping in to steer the alliance back on track.
As Bihar prepares for a high-stakes electoral contest, all eyes will be on how this internal recalibration within the NDA plays out—and whether the BJP’s efforts to maintain unity will succeed at the ballot box.
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