The Candidate: In the spotlight of Bihars political stage shines Chirag Paswan, self-styled as Modis devoted Hanuman. The buzz The ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Recently, on March 18, Vinod Tawde unveiled the NDA alliances seat-sharing formula from the BJP headquarters. The breakdown: BJP bags 17 seats, JDU secures 16, and Chirag Paswans LJP (under Ram Vilas) clinches 5 seats. Meanwhile, Upendra Kushwahas and Jitan Ram Manjhis parties each nab one seat. Notably, the BJP excludes Chirags uncle Pashupati Paras from their ticket allocation.This power play provided Chirag Paswans pivotal role in BJPs Bihar political narrative. BJPs confidence in Chirag is palpable, rooted in past events. Rewind to 2020 when LJP splintered after the demise of Chirags father, Ram Vilas Paswan. Amidst this division, Pashupati Paras asserted his claim over the party, which led Chirag to establish a new political entity.How Chirag become Modis Hanuman in BiharAmidst the political tumult, the BJP maintained its backing for the original LJP faction led by Pashupati Paras. Simultaneously, Chirag Paswans fledgling party extended support to BJP, despite being outside the NDA fold. After the LJP split, Chirag found himself in a solitary position. Pashupati Paras pinned his hopes on Dalit votes, while Chirag embarked on the Jan Ashirwad Yatra, gaining mass support. During this journey, he positioned himself as the true heir to his fathers political legacy, denouncing the splinter faction as traitors. Remarkably, Chirag refrained from criticizing BJP, maintaining his self-proclaimed role as Prime Minister Narendra Modis loyal Hanuman, likening himself to the devoted servant of Lord Ram.Upon rejoining the NDA, Chirag laid claim to the Hajipur seat. Notably, this time around, the BJP sidelined Pashupati Paras in favor of expressing confidence in Chirag Paswan.One big factor in this dynamic could stem from the events of 2014, when Chirag persuaded his father, Ram Vilas Paswan, to align with the NDA. As per historical media accounts, Chirag convinced his father to make this move by highlighting the lack of respect shown by the Congress and Rahul Gandhi towards him.Chirag convinced his father to make this move by highlighting the lack of respect shown by the Congress and Rahul Gandhi towards him. ANIFrom dropout to political prodigyChirag Paswans narrative is one of remarkable transformation. Departing from college in his third semester of a Computer Engineering degree, Paswan took an unexpected turn into the world of cinema. In 2011, he graced the silver screen opposite Kangana Ranaut in the Hindi film Miley Naa Miley Hum, making his debut in Bollywood.However, Paswans journey didnt end on the screen. Venturing into politics, he contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections under the Lok Janshakti Party banner in Jamui. His electoral triumph, with a commanding lead of over 85,000 votes against his closest rival, Sudhansu Shekhar Bhaskar of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, instantly catapulted him into the political stratosphere. Unwavering in his resolve, Paswan secured re-election in 2019, reaffirming his dominance in Jamui with a staggering 528,771 votes.Chirag Paswan changes partys narrativeRam Vilas Paswan, renowned as a prominent Dalit leader in national politics, had distanced himself from the NDA following the 2002 Gujarat riots, opting to join forces with the UPA. His stance towards then Gujarat CM, Narendra Modi, was critical. In an interview, he unequivocally pointed to Modis role in the Gujarat riots.However, it was Chirag Paswan who orchestrated a big shift in this narrative. Despite his fathers steadfast stance, Chirag managed to sway the LJP towards the NDA camp. This strategic realignment bore fruit as the NDA swept back into power, with Chirag securing his inaugural parliamentary term as MP from Bihars Jamui constituency.Chirags persuasion vs Rahuls silenceWhile Chirag Paswan successfully convinced his father to pivot towards the NDA, Rahul Gandhis silence spoke volumes. After the 2014 elections, Ram Vilas Paswan assumed the role of Union Minister, with six LJP leaders securing seats in Delhi as MPs. Witnessing the achievements of the LJP under the NDA banner left Chirag in awe.In a revealing interview, Ram Vilas Paswan disclosed, The decision to join the NDA wasnt mine it was Chirags. He made ten attempts to reach Rahul Gandhi to discuss seat allocations, but received no response. Frustrated by this indifference, Chirag confided in his father one night, expressing concern over the mounting disregard. It was this pivotal moment that spurred Ram Vilas Paswan to depart from the UPA and align with the NDA.This narrative marks the inception of Chirags evolution from an actor to a prominent political figure, now assuming the lead role within Bihars NDA framework.Paswan dynasty reigns over Hajipur seatRam Vilas Paswan left an indelible mark on Bihars political landscape, particularly through his remarkable tenure in the Hajipur constituency. His political journey, which commenced in 1969, gained national prominence during the 1977 elections when he contested under the Janata Party banner. His victory margin of 4.25 lakh votes over the Congress candidate marked a historic milestone, earning him a place in the Guinness Book for the most electoral triumph at the time.After this landslide victory, Ram Vilas Paswans influence solidified over the Hajipur seat, with notable wins in subsequent elections, barring 1984 and 2009. He represented the constituency an impressive nine times, culminating in his last Lok Sabha bid in 2014 before transitioning to the Rajya Sabha. In 2019, the baton passed to his younger brother, Pashupati Paras, who assumed the role of MP from Hajipur.
