The NDA in Bihar is facing a dilemma due to Chirag Paswan’s political maneuvers. The JDU is showing reservations about Chirag’s potential participation in the elections. JDU is keen to understand Chirag Paswan’s strategy for contesting the assembly elections while holding a position as a Union Cabinet Minister. JDU sources suggest that if Chirag decides to enter the electoral race, it will be a decision of his own, independent of the NDA’s endorsement.
JDU believes that Chirag’s intention to contest might be a tactical move to secure a larger share of seats for his party during the seat-sharing negotiations. At the same time, JDU is concerned that Chirag’s participation could create uncertainty regarding the Chief Minister’s position in Bihar, especially since the NDA has already affirmed that the elections will be fought under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
Some BJP leaders think that Chirag’s foray into the assembly elections would consolidate the Paswan votes, benefiting the NDA. Also, JDU is reportedly uneasy about Chirag Paswan’s plan to exhibit his strength in Nitish Kumar’s home district. Chirag Paswan is scheduled to organize a gathering of approximately two lakh people in Rajgir on June 29 through the Bahujan Bhim Sankalp Sammagam.
JDU sources have clarified that the allocation of seats to the LJP within the NDA will be left to the LJP to decide, including the selection of their candidates. However, observers feel that Chirag’s decision to contest will only be effective if he is in contention for the Chief Minister’s position after the elections. Given the possibility that his party may secure fewer than thirty seats, his ambition to become CM may not materialize.
Moreover, there is no room for Chirag Paswan in the Mahagathbandhan, where Tejashwi Yadav is already the projected CM candidate. Also, Chirag may not get sufficient seats in the Mahagathbandhan to fulfill his aspirations of becoming a CM. Furthermore, concerns remain whether Chirag might later switch allegiances.
Experts suggest that Chirag Paswan’s best option might be to team up with Prashant Kishor and contest for the maximum number of seats, though this may lead to clashes over who will lead the alliance. JDU leaders hold Chirag accountable for the party’s weak performance in the previous assembly elections. JDU leaders are therefore wary of Chirag Paswan’s strategy. However, this time, the circumstances are different, as the Modi government needs JDU, and the relationship between the BJP and JDU is also very strong. Therefore, if Chirag distances himself from the NDA this time, Chirag Paswan could suffer the most.
