Exclusive Interview: Chirag Paswan Reveals Why He Couldn't Contest Bihar Elections and His Strategic 2030 Political Plan

Patna:

Union Minister Chirag Paswan responded diplomatically when questioned about his chief ministerial aspirations, carefully navigating around territory long dominated by Nitish Kumar, Bihar's longest-serving chief minister. Speaking with NDTV shortly before the second phase of Bihar assembly elections, Paswan noted that the state's top position has not been vacant in 2025.

"The Chief Minister's post has never been vacant in 2025. I respect my party workers' sentiments. If your workers don't believe you can reach the top position, you've failed to motivate them. I always wanted my father Ram Vilas Paswan to become Prime Minister," explained the 43-year-old LJP (Ram Vilas) chief, who carries a significant political legacy.

Paswan elaborated on his desire to contest from Bihar, something he considers essential for advancing his 'Bihar First, Bihari First' approach, which forms the core of his campaign. He also revealed what prevented him from entering the electoral race.

"As a three-term MP, I've realized I am 'Bihar first, Bihari first.' I cannot implement this vision from Delhi. I must contest from Bihar. However, negotiations took too long this time. Had they concluded earlier, I would have contested from Bihar," he stated, firmly adding that he "will definitely contest in 2030 (from Bihar)."

When asked about chief ministerial ambitions for 2030, Paswan emphasized that his immediate focus remains on elections preceding the 2030 Bihar polls.

"The future remains uncertain. I prefer to progress step by step before determining my next strategy. Following the Bihar elections, my priorities are the Uttar Pradesh and Punjab polls in 2027. Then for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, I want to see my prime minister elected for a fourth term. After that, we'll concentrate on 2030," Paswan explained.

Speculation has circulated that 74-year-old Nitish Kumar might be replaced, with his JD(U) now in a subordinate position to the BJP. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda addressed this matter at the last moment, confirming Kumar as the NDA's chief ministerial candidate.

Assessing the first phase of voting, Paswan confidently predicted the NDA would return to power with unprecedented success. He attributed this to the NDA's unity, contrasting it with the opposition's fragmentation, internal conflicts, and vote-splitting concerns.

Regarding RJD's Tejashwi Yadav becoming the opposition's face, Paswan criticized the RJD leader, alleging he secured his position through threats to his own allies.

"Alliances should form naturally. What value is there in becoming the chief ministerial candidate through threats? Consider Mukesh Sahani, the deputy candidate. Has he sent a positive message to his community? His supporters witnessed his struggle to become the chief minister's face," Paswan remarked, claiming Rahul Gandhi initially disagreed but yielded after pressure from the RJD.

Paswan accused Yadav of self-centeredness, noting that opposition posters feature only Yadav's image, sidelining even national-level alliance leaders. "Examine our advertisements—all leaders appear together. For them, it's exclusively Tejashwi, with no other national Congress leaders. This demoralizes their workers," he concluded.