In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the political landscape of Bihar witnessed a significant shift as Chirag Paswan, the son of the late Ram Paswan, emerged victorious in the Hajipur constituency. This triumph solidified Chirag’s position as a prominent leader within the Dalit community and underscored his unwavering commitment to his father’s legacy.
The Rise of Chirag Paswan
Chirag Paswan, the 41-year-old president of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), has been a force to reckon with in Bihar politics. His electoral journey began in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, where he won from the Jamui constituency. He successfully defended his seat in the 2019 elections, besting his nearest rival Bhudeo Choudhary of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
The Battle for Hajipur
The Hajipur constituency holds immense historical significance for the Paswan family. Ram Vilas Paswan, Chirag’s father, was elected eight times as a Lok Sabha member from this seat. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chirag decided to contest from Hajipur, giving up his Jamui seat, which he had held for two consecutive terms. This bold move was seen as a testament to his determination to carry forward his father’s legacy.
The Elections Results
The election results announced on June 4, 2024, saw Chirag Paswan emerge victorious in Hajipur by a substantial margin of 1.70 lakh votes. He polled 6.14 lakh votes, while his nearest rival Shiv Chandra Ram of the RJD secured 4.44 lakh votes. This victory marked a significant milestone in Chirag’s political career, as he successfully reclaimed the seat that was once his father’s stronghold.
The LJP’s Success
The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), under Chirag’s leadership, achieved remarkable success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The party won all five seats it contested, including Hajipur, Vaishali, Samastipur, Jamui, and Khagaria. This 100% strike rate further established Chirag as a prominent leader within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The Family Feud
Chirag’s journey to this victory was not without its challenges. In 2021, his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras orchestrated a midnight coup, ousting Chirag from key party positions and claiming a spot in the Union cabinet. However, the BJP’s decision to back Chirag in the 2024 elections proved to be a turning point, as he was entrusted with five crucial seats under the seat-sharing agreement, leaving the Paras faction with none.
The New Dalit Icon
Chirag Paswan’s meteoric rise has catapulted him as the new Dalit icon in Bihar politics. His leadership was solidified when he was elected as the LJP (RV) Parliamentary Party leader in a dramatic meeting at his Delhi residence. This victory has silenced his critics and demonstrated his tenacity in the face of adversity.
The ‘Bihar First, Bihar First’ Agenda
Chirag Paswan has vowed to realize his father’s vision and champion the ‘Bihar first, Bihar first’ agenda, aiming to transform the state. His commitment to this cause has resonated with the people of Bihar, who see him as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Conclusion
Chirag Paswan‘s victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his father’s legacy. His success has not only solidified his position within the NDA but also established him as a prominent leader in Bihar politics. As he continues to champion the “Bihar first, Bihar first’ agenda, the people of Bihar can expect significant positive changes in the years to come.