The NDA in Bihar is grappling with complexities arising from Chirag Paswan’s electoral strategy. The JDU is reportedly uneasy about Chirag’s potential participation in the upcoming elections. The JDU is seeking clarity on the reasons behind Chirag Paswan, a Union Cabinet Minister, seeking to contest the assembly elections. JDU insiders suggest that if Chirag chooses to run, it is an individual decision and not one endorsed by the NDA.
The JDU suspects that Chirag’s move could be a tactic to exert pressure for a larger share of seats for his party during seat distribution discussions. Furthermore, the JDU is concerned that Chirag’s involvement in the elections might generate ambiguity about the Chief Minister’s position in Bihar, given the NDA’s prior announcement that Nitish Kumar will lead the campaign.
Meanwhile, some BJP leaders believe that Chirag’s involvement could consolidate the Paswan vote in favor of the NDA. The JDU is also reportedly unsettled by Chirag Paswan’s planned show of strength in Nitish Kumar’s home district. Chirag Paswan intends to mobilize approximately two lakh people in Rajgir on June 29 through the Bahujan Bhim Sankalp Sammagam.
JDU sources have clarified that the LJP’s seat allocation within the NDA will be determined by the party itself, including the selection of candidates. However, observers believe that Chirag’s decision to contest will only be effective if he envisions himself as a contender for the Chief Minister’s post after the elections. With the possibility of his party securing less than thirty seats, Chirag’s CM aspirations might be thwarted.
Furthermore, Chirag Paswan lacks a place in the Mahagathbandhan, where Tejashwi Yadav is already designated as the CM candidate. It is also unlikely that Chirag would secure enough seats in the Mahagathbandhan to realize his CM ambitions. Concerns also linger regarding the possibility of Chirag switching allegiances.
Analysts suggest that Chirag Paswan’s best option might be to collaborate with Prashant Kishor to contest elections for the maximum number of seats, although disagreements over the leadership of such an alliance are anticipated. JDU leaders had previously blamed Chirag for the party’s underperformance in the last assembly elections. This past experience contributes to the JDU’s apprehension regarding Chirag Paswan’s current strategy. However, the current circumstances differ from the past, as the Modi government relies on the JDU, and the relationship between the BJP and the JDU is notably strong. Consequently, any move by Chirag away from the NDA this time could prove detrimental to Chirag Paswan himself.