Is Pashupati Kumar Paras headed towards RJD? Buzz of a political realignment in Bihar

Pashupati Kumar Paras Looks to Revive Political Fortunes with Mahagathbandhan Shift

Exit from NDA: A Move Rooted in Frustration

Pashupati Kumar Paras, chief of the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), has decided to part ways with the NDA. His decision comes after what he called repeated “humiliation” by the alliance. The final blow, according to him, was being denied a single seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This move followed the NDA’s preference for his nephew, Chirag Paswan, who received five seats.

Paras, once a Union Minister and a prominent Dalit leader, sees this as an unfair sidelining. His exit marks a critical point in his political journey, and possibly the start of a new chapter.

Mahagathbandhan Offers a Possible Political Lifeline

Sources within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have confirmed that talks are ongoing. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD, is considering offering a few Assembly seats to the RLJP. The aim is to weaken Chirag Paswan’s growing hold on the Dalit vote bank.

An RJD insider mentioned, “Paras ji still has support, especially among rural Paswan voters. If he joins us, it could shift key votes away from Chirag.”

Though RLJP hasn’t yet contested an election independently, Paras’s decades of experience could give him an edge. His entry into the Mahagathbandhan could influence voter sentiment in a few tightly contested seats.

Stakes Are High for Both Sides

For the Mahagathbandhan, adding Paras could strengthen their chances in the Assembly elections. In 2020, the NDA won 110 out of 243 seats. The opposition knows it needs every bit of support to bridge that gap.

For Paras, this isn’t just about seats—it’s about relevance. Aligning with RJD might allow him to rebuild his base and challenge his nephew’s rising popularity. His appeal among older voters and traditional RLJP supporters still holds some weight.

Tejashwi’s Diplomatic Approach

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has responded cautiously but positively to the possibility of Paras joining the alliance. “Leadership decisions will be taken with full consensus,” he said, without naming names.

He’s leaving the door open, while not fully committing just yet. This approach suggests that discussions are still in early stages.

A Political Comeback in the Making?

Whether Paras officially joins the Mahagathbandhan or not, one thing is clear—he’s making a serious attempt at a political comeback. His next step could shift the political equation in Bihar, especially among Dalit voters.

In Bihar’s fast-changing political climate, a new alliance could make all the difference. And for Pashupati Kumar Paras, this might be the comeback he needs.