In a stunning revelation that could send shockwaves through Bihar's political landscape, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan has claimed that the majority of NDA legislators wanted him, not Nitish Kumar, to become the Chief Minister after the 2020 assembly elections.
The dramatic disclosure came during an exclusive interview where Paswan pulled back the curtain on the internal dynamics within the ruling alliance. "If I had wanted, I would have become the chief minister in 2020," Paswan stated confidently, suggesting that the numbers were in his favor.
The Numbers Game
Paswan's assertion isn't just political bravado. The LJP(RV) chief provided compelling context to back his claim. "Out of the 125 MLAs that the NDA had, 70 were in my support," he revealed, indicating that he commanded significant backing within the alliance legislature party.
This mathematical breakdown presents a fascinating alternative scenario in Bihar politics. With such substantial support from NDA legislators, Paswan's path to the chief minister's chair appeared surprisingly clear, raising questions about why he ultimately didn't pursue the position.
A Strategic Decision
Rather than portraying himself as a power-hungry politician, Paswan framed his decision as one of political maturity and strategic thinking. "But I did not want the chair. I wanted to work for the people of Bihar," he explained, positioning himself as a leader more interested in service than personal power.
This calculated move appears to be part of Paswan's broader political narrative - that of a young, idealistic leader putting state interests above personal ambition. The timing of these revelations is particularly significant as Bihar continues to be a crucial battleground state in national politics.
Political Implications
The disclosure has several important implications:
- It challenges the perception of unanimous support for Nitish Kumar within the NDA
- It establishes Paswan as a significant power center within Bihar's ruling alliance
- It positions the LJP(RV) chief as a potential future claimant to the chief minister's position
- It reveals underlying tensions within the NDA that could surface in future political realignments
Paswan's comments come at a time when Bihar politics is undergoing significant churn, with various political players jockeying for position ahead of crucial electoral battles.
The Road Ahead
While Paswan has chosen not to challenge Nitish Kumar's leadership for now, his revelations make it clear that he sees himself as a legitimate contender for the top job. The political calculus suggests that the young leader is building his case for future leadership transitions while maintaining his position within the ruling alliance.
As Bihar continues to be a key state in national politics, such internal dynamics within the NDA could have far-reaching consequences for both state and central governance. Paswan's strategic positioning indicates that he's playing a long game, one that might eventually see him occupying the chief minister's office he claims he could have had three years ago.
