Why Chirag Paswan’s ‘Bihar first’ refrain has caused a flutter in NDA before polls
Chirag Paswan’s ‘Bihar First’ Slogan Rattles NDA Ahead of Polls
As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, Chirag Paswan has reignited a political buzz in Bihar with his strong assertion: “Bihar first, Bihari first.” What began as a campaign slogan has now evolved into a bold political message — one that’s making allies within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) sit up and take notice.
A Familiar Slogan, a Fresh Message
Chirag Paswan, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief and Union Minister for Food Processing, is no stranger to political spotlight. But this time, his repeated call for a “Bihar first” approach isn’t just about state pride — it’s being interpreted as a veiled reminder to the central leadership that Bihar deserves more than token representation.
What’s more, Paswan has also expressed a desire to contest the 2030 Bihar Assembly elections, signaling a shift from national politics to direct involvement in state governance. That declaration has led to speculation about his long-term ambitions — and whether they align or clash with NDA’s existing roadmap for Bihar.
NDA Partners on Edge
While no party has publicly criticized Paswan’s statement, murmurs within the alliance suggest unease. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the senior partner in the NDA, is aware that Paswan’s independent voice carries weight among young and Dalit voters. His party’s clean sweep in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections — where it won all five seats it contested — has only boosted his confidence.
Some BJP leaders reportedly view Paswan’s growing popularity and assertive messaging as a challenge to their dominance in Bihar. Although the NDA is still presenting a united front, insiders admit that the LJP(R)’s resurgence could upset the internal balance of power.
The ‘Legacy Factor’
Part of the stir comes from Chirag’s attempt to revive his late father Ram Vilas Paswan’s legacy — a leader known for standing up for marginalized communities and demanding fair treatment for Bihar. By invoking “Bihar first,” Chirag isn’t just appealing to regional sentiment; he’s positioning himself as the torchbearer of a political legacy that once played a pivotal role in national coalitions.
A Calculated Strategy?
Political analysts see the slogan as a multi-layered move. On one hand, it boosts Chirag’s image as a pro-Bihar leader — independent, vocal, and grassroots-oriented. On the other, it allows him to negotiate more space within the NDA, perhaps even eyeing a larger say in future seat-sharing deals or developmental projects.
His recent speeches have subtly hinted at the need for Bihar to receive more attention in policy-making — from infrastructure funding to employment programs. By doing so, he walks a fine line: staying loyal to the NDA while also pushing for greater autonomy and recognition.
Opposition Senses an Opportunity
Interestingly, the opposition alliance in Bihar has been quick to notice the friction. Leaders from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress have pointed to Chirag’s statement as proof that even NDA partners aren’t fully satisfied. They argue that the BJP’s central leadership is failing to deliver on its promises to Bihar, and that Chirag’s slogan reflects this frustration.
What Lies Ahead?
With assembly elections still several years away, Chirag Paswan’s political roadmap may seem long-term. However, his recent moves suggest he is laying the groundwork now — building a brand, rallying support, and asserting his party’s identity.
For the NDA, keeping its allies united while managing individual ambitions like Chirag’s will be a key challenge. The “Bihar first” refrain may have begun as a development slogan, but in the heat of election politics, it has morphed into a political statement with real consequences.
Whether this leads to a reshaped alliance structure or a new regional power dynamic, one thing is clear — Chirag Paswan is no longer content playing second fiddle. And that is what has truly stirred the pot in Bihar’s political cauldron.
