Chirag Paswan’s political journey in Bihar has taken a dramatic turn. Once dismissed as a marginal player after the 2020 assembly elections, the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) now finds himself at the heart of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar. With a strong showing in the 2025 assembly elections, Chirag has silenced his critics and established LJP as a key political force. His party, which contested 28 seats, is leading in 20 of them and has already secured one seat, marking its most significant assembly performance since 2007.
The party’s performance is especially noteworthy, considering the challenges it faced in the past. LJP has not had any representation in the Bihar assembly until now. Chirag Paswan’s strategic positioning within the NDA has shifted the balance, placing him in a strong position within the state’s power matrix.
LJP’s Historic Victory in the 2025 Assembly Elections
The 2025 assembly elections have proven to be a game-changer for Chirag Paswan and the LJP. The party’s state president, Raju Tiwari, secured a remarkable victory in Govindganj with a margin of 32,683 votes, signaling LJP’s growing influence in areas where it previously struggled. This victory has underscored the party’s ability to break through in new regions and expand its electoral footprint.
Chirag’s LJP secured a remarkable 100% strike rate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and now, with 20 of 28 seats in the 2025 assembly elections, the party has established itself as a significant player in Bihar politics. Political analysts highlight that this performance comes after LJP’s role in disrupting the NDA’s coalition in 2020, particularly in weakening JD(U)’s voter base.
Chirag Paswan’s Political Strategy Pays Off
Chirag Paswan has long been vocal about his belief that the LJP (Ram Vilas) played a crucial role in weakening the NDA in the 2020 elections, particularly by dividing JD(U)’s votes. The 2025 elections, however, reflect a dramatic shift in the party’s fortunes, as LJP now finds itself firmly inside the NDA alliance. This shift has contributed to the NDA’s electoral arithmetic, which is now in its favor.
During the celebrations in Patna, Chirag expressed his confidence about the NDA’s performance. He attributed the victory to people’s trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. “The victory reflects people’s faith in the double-engine government,” Chirag said. He also acknowledged the opposition’s overconfidence as a contributing factor to their defeat.
Chirag’s rise is especially remarkable considering that LJP had no representation in the Bihar assembly until now. The party’s new position as the fourth-largest in the state after BJP, JD(U), and RJD is a testament to the growing influence of Chirag Paswan in Bihar’s political scene. This victory represents a significant consolidation of LJP’s political presence in the state, marking a shift in the party’s trajectory since its inception.
LJP and JD(U) Partnership: From Feud to Cooperation
The 2025 elections also marked a significant shift in LJP’s relationship with JD(U). Previously, in 2020, Chirag Paswan’s LJP had contested against JD(U), fueling tensions between the two parties. However, in the 2025 elections, LJP and JD(U) joined forces, setting aside their differences for the greater political good. This cooperation within the NDA has helped smooth over past acrimony and allowed the alliance to emerge stronger than before.
For Chirag Paswan, this collaboration with JD(U) is a crucial development. It represents a long-awaited moment of consolidation for him and his party. While he continues to downplay any personal ambitions for the position of Chief Minister, Chirag remains committed to his party’s core ideological principles. His slogan of “Bihar First, Bihari First” has resonated with voters and continues to be a central part of his political message.
Chirag Paswan’s Vision for Bihar’s Future
As the NDA prepares for discussions on the formation of the new government, Chirag Paswan has indicated that the coming days will be crucial in shaping the structure of the coalition. He has emphasized that LJP will continue to work toward realizing the vision of “Bihar First, Bihari First.” These principles, which advocate for the welfare and development of Bihar and its people, will remain central to LJP’s approach in the new political landscape.
Chirag’s rise within the NDA is indicative of his growing political influence and the potential for further expansion of his party’s role in the future. His focus on Bihar’s development, combined with his ability to adapt to the changing political environment, positions him as one of the most influential players within the NDA. He has made it clear that LJP will play a vital role in shaping the future direction of Bihar’s politics, both within the NDA coalition and in the larger state framework.
Chirag Paswan’s New Role in Bihar Politics
For a leader who was once dismissed as an outsider within his own alliance, Chirag Paswan now stands as one of the most influential political figures in Bihar. His party’s strong performance in the 2025 assembly elections has proven that fortunes in politics can change swiftly and decisively. Chirag’s ability to rise from the shadows of political obscurity to a position of power in the NDA reflects his resilience and political acumen.
His newfound influence within the NDA also highlights the evolving nature of Bihar’s political landscape. With the alliance now firmly under his party’s influence, Chirag Paswan is poised to shape the future of Bihar’s governance. As discussions about government formation continue, Chirag’s strategic position within the NDA promises to bring significant change to the state’s political framework.
Chirag Paswan’s remarkable journey from political outsider to one of the central figures within the NDA highlights the dynamic nature of Bihar’s politics. The LJP’s strong performance in the 2025 assembly elections has solidified Chirag’s position as a major player in the state’s political sphere. While his rise has been marked by strategic maneuvering and alignment with the NDA, his leadership will play a key role in shaping the future direction of Bihar’s governance.
As Bihar enters a new phase of political leadership, Chirag Paswan’s influence within the NDA will be a crucial factor in the state’s future development. The coming days will be crucial for LJP, as the party seeks to cement its place within the NDA and push forward its agenda for Bihar’s growth and progress.
