August 16, 2025

Union Food Processing Minister and LJP leader Chirag Paswan is all set for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections in 2025. In a lively chat with ET, Paswan opened up about his party's role, challenges, and dreams for Bihar. What's new this time? Paswan recalls how in 2020, he was kept out of the alliance due to doubts over his leadership and personal issues as his father was unwell. He said, “The alliance didn't have faith that I could lead the party as my father did.” But now, the tables have turned! He proudly shares that the NDA is much stronger, aiming for over 225 seats, and he himself sits at the decision-making table contributing fresh ideas. When asked about his sharp criticism of Bihar's law and order despite being part of the NDA, Paswan explains, "As an ally, it's my responsibility to highlight issues. That said, I'm not part of the ruling alliance in the state, unlike at the Centre. I have no role in shaping state policies, so this is my only way to voice concerns.” He still believes in CM Nitish Kumar's power to fix things as before. The LJP leader's battle cry is 'Bihar First, Bihari First.' He reveals a roadmap touching crucial issues like interlinking rivers, creating educational hubs, and boosting agriculture-based industries. On the food front, he’s excited about the new NIFTEM institute coming to Hajipur, announced in the Union Budget, saying it will greatly help food processing and youth engagement. Plus, Bihar is shining with micro-enterprise support and minimizing post-harvest food losses. Paswan also defends the election process, saying the Special Summary Revision (SSR) by the Election Commission, though controversial, was necessary. He points out the irony of opposition complaints while praising EC’s work in other states. Despite BJP and JDU being big NDA players in Bihar, Paswan claims his party adds the essential "salt" to the alliance. “Some people try to undermine my 2020 performance when I contested alone. But my party can provide a 10,000-15,000 vote push on every crucial seat,” he says confidently. Though seat-sharing talks are still on the table and not finalized, Paswan confirms he wants to contest the elections himself. On political partnerships, he keeps the door slightly open but stays loyal to the NDA for now. Finally, when asked about becoming Bihar CM, he states, "There's no vacancy for CM. NDA is united behind Nitish Kumar for both election and post-election leadership. But everyone should be ambitious—I believe in manifestation. So why not?" Chirag Paswan's energy and bold plans sure spice up Bihar's political pot, promising an interesting 2025 election season!

Read More at Economictimes →

Tags: Chirag paswan, Bihar assembly elections 2025, Ljp, Nda, Law and order bihar, Food processing,