Chirag Paswan Predicts Record Victory for United NDA in Bihar Assembly Elections

The NDA is united in Bihar this time and will put up a record performance, LJP (Ram Vilas) chief and Union minister Chirag Paswan has said, highlighting that the alliance had managed to form a government despite having a divided camp in 2020. He also defended his criticisms of the law-and-order situation in Bihar months back as a sign of being a responsible alliance partner.

Paswan had contested independently in the 2020 elections due to differences with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, although he continued to support the BJP. However, the situation has now changed. The NDA camp is currently united, while the Mahagathbandhan stands divided, affected by internal conflicts and vote splits, he told NDTV during a helicopter journey to a rally.

"The NDA was divided in 2020. Upendra Kushwaha ji and I contested separately (from the NDA). But despite the NDA being divided and a strong united Mahagathbandhan, we managed to form the government, though by a thin margin. Today, there is a united NDA and a divided Mahagathbandhan. There are vote splits and friendly fights. We will benefit from this unity. We will have a walkover even in difficult seats due to the RJD vote split," said the son of late veteran politician Ram Vilas Paswan.

This unity will help the NDA achieve record numbers in the assembly elections, Paswan asserted, claiming that he has received "positive feedback" from the 14 constituencies that voted in the first phase last Thursday.

"We will touch all-time figures this time. Under Nitish Kumar's leadership, NDA's best performance was in 2010. Given the current situation, after attending over a hundred rallies, I believe we will reach an all-time high figure. And since I believe in manifestation, I would like to believe that I will win all 29 seats (that LJP is contesting). I have received very positive feedback from the 14 seats that went to polls in Phase 1," said the 43-year-old leader.

He also justified his previous criticism of Bihar's law-and-order situation as demonstrating responsible partnership within the alliance.

Paswan had expressed concern in July regarding rising crime rates and stated he "felt bad" supporting an administration where crime was prevalent.

"You must say where you are going wrong and what needs to be improved. If I remain a 'yes man' and keep praising, then I will end up hurting the alliance. I must become the voice of the masses. If I can't take up their issues with the government, then who will? If their issues don't reach the government, it will benefit the opposition," he said.

Paswan claimed his public statements helped improve the situation and that the administration has become more vigilant.

"There was a time when crime was frequent; that has come under control. Even if there is just one incident, it's concerning for my government. No crime is lesser than the other, and it's still a crime. I don't get into comparative theory," he added.