KKN Gurugram Desk | As the political temperature rises ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections, speculation has intensified over Union Minister Chirag Paswan’s constituency. For the first time, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is actively considering fielding its national president from a general category seat instead of a reserved constituency.
The confirmation came from MP Arun Bharti, who, during an interaction with reporters at Patna Airport, stated that internal surveys are underway to determine the most suitable general seat for Chirag to contest from in the upcoming election.
Chirag Paswan’s Political Focus Remains Firmly on Bihar
MP Arun Bharti reiterated that Chirag Paswan has always emphasized Bihar as the epicenter of his political vision. “For Chirag ji, Bihar’s development is not just a commitment, it’s a mission. He has repeatedly said that his politics begins and ends with the people of Bihar,” Bharti told reporters.
He added that Chirag’s decision to contest from a general seat reflects his pan-community appeal, distancing him from being perceived solely as a leader of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
Surveys Begin to Finalize Chirag’s Constituency
The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), a key constituent of the NDA alliance in Bihar, has reportedly begun conducting internal political surveys to shortlist constituencies from which Chirag Paswan may contest.
Bharti emphasized:
“We are evaluating winnability factors, voter demographics, and political sentiment. The people want Chirag Paswan to lead Bihar from within, and not just as an MP from Delhi.”
Sources indicate that constituencies like Jamui (his Lok Sabha stronghold), Hajipur, Danapur, and Bakhtiyarpur are under review as potential options.
LJP Eyes Over 200 Seats with NDA Unity
Bharti also spoke confidently about the NDA’s performance prospects in the 2025 elections. He confirmed that the five NDA parties in Bihar are in “complete alignment” and targeting over 200 assembly seats out of 243.
“The unity we are witnessing within NDA—whether it’s BJP, HAM(S), RLM, or JD(U)—is unprecedented. Under the leadership of PM Modi and Chirag Paswan, Bihar will see transformational change,” he stated.
This goal, while ambitious, reflects the NDA’s desire to consolidate power amid fragmented opposition politics in the state.
Why Chirag May Shift to a General Seat
Chirag Paswan has previously enjoyed strong support from Dalit voters, particularly from the Paswan (Dusadh) community. However, positioning himself as a leader for all communities could broaden his appeal across caste lines—a critical factor in Bihar’s complex caste-based political system.
According to Arun Bharti:
“Chirag Paswan is not just a Dalit leader. He represents every Bihari who wants change. Contesting from a general seat is symbolic of that commitment.”
Political observers view this move as strategic rebranding—one that could help the LJP expand its influence beyond reserved constituencies and emerge as a broader social coalition.
Chirag Paswan’s Growing Role in NDA
Once on shaky ground after the LJP split in 2021, Chirag Paswan has since rebuilt his political capital and emerged as a younger face of the NDA in Bihar. His role in Modi 3.0 cabinet has added national visibility to his profile, and his popularity among youth has increased notably.
His inclusion in the Union Cabinet was widely seen as the BJP’s way of consolidating Dalit support while empowering a younger, media-savvy leader in the Hindi belt.
Development Narrative: A Key Campaign Pillar
During the same press interaction, Bharti also commented on the inauguration of the new terminal at Patna Airport, highlighting how development under Modi-Yogi-Chirag leadership is reshaping not just India but also Bihar.
“From infrastructure to digital governance, Bihar is changing. The new terminal in Patna is a sign that the state is no longer on the backfoot. Chirag Paswan has been vocal about turning Bihar into a hub of economic activity and investment,” he said.
Why Chirag’s Candidacy Matters for Bihar 2025
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Symbolic Shift: A move from a reserved to a general seat symbolizes political maturity and pan-caste ambition.
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Youth Outreach: Chirag enjoys a strong connection with first-time voters and urban youth.
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Alternative to Traditional Leadership: Many view him as a refreshing alternative to legacy politicians like Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav.
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NDA’s Rising Star: His growing coordination with BJP top brass indicates stronger influence within the alliance.
LJP’s Challenges and Ground Realities
Despite growing stature, Chirag Paswan and his party will face tough competition in Bihar’s politically volatile environment. Key challenges include:
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Maintaining NDA cohesion, especially amid local seat-sharing pressures
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Countering Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD, which remains strong in key regions
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Establishing credibility beyond Jamui, his Lok Sabha constituency
Sources within LJP believe the decision on the seat will be finalized by early August 2025, giving the party ample time to campaign aggressively.
As Bihar braces for a high-stakes assembly election, Chirag Paswan’s political positioning will be one of the most closely watched stories. From emerging as a national figure to repositioning himself as a pan-Bihari leader, the LJP (Ram Vilas) president is clearly aiming to redefine his political narrative.
If his shift to a general seat is finalized, it will send a strong signal that caste lines are no longer the only defining force in Bihar politics—and that youth, development, and leadership symbolism are equally crucial.
Whether voters resonate with this message remains to be seen in October-November 2025, when Bihar heads to the polls.
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