KKN Gurugram Desk | As political gears shift into motion for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, leaders from across party lines are beginning to issue strong statements, stirring debate across the state’s volatile electoral landscape. Among them, Congress leader Udit Raj has sparked fresh controversy by launching a sharp critique of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan, accusing him of being entirely dependent on the central BJP leadership.

In a statement to the media, Udit Raj declared,

“Chirag Paswan cannot function independently. Every political step he takes is guided by signals from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.”

This remark has intensified the political narrative surrounding NDA alliances in Bihar, especially in light of the upcoming assembly elections where alliance equations and caste dynamics will play pivotal roles.

Chirag Paswan: Independent Player or BJP’s Proxy in Bihar?

The political journey of Chirag Paswan, son of late LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan, has often attracted scrutiny. Ever since he restructured his political path post the LJP split, his alignment with the BJP-led NDA has remained both strategic and contentious.

Though the LJP (Ram Vilas) maintains a separate identity, it has consistently supported the BJP on key national issues. Udit Raj’s comment attempts to portray Chirag not as an independent leader but as a political pawn of the BJP, especially controlled by its top command.

This line of attack taps into a long-standing criticism by opposition parties — that regional allies within the NDA act as satellite parties, lacking autonomy and merely executing orders from New Delhi.

Congress’s Strategy: Questioning NDA’s Internal Autonomy

Udit Raj’s remarks are part of a broader Congress strategy to question the credibility and independence of smaller NDA partners ahead of Bihar’s elections. Congress believes that exposing these dynamics can resonate with voters who feel alienated by what they perceive as centralized decision-making.

“Bihar needs leadership that understands Bihar — not leadership that waits for instructions from Delhi,” Udit Raj asserted in his statement.

By highlighting the BJP’s command over its allies, Congress seems to be crafting a narrative that only local or regional parties with genuine grassroots connections — such as the RJD or their own Bihar unit — can represent Bihari interests effectively.

Historical Context: Chirag’s Previous Moves in Bihar

In the 2020 Bihar Assembly Elections, Chirag Paswan had famously fielded LJP candidates against JD(U), while claiming allegiance to PM Modi — a move widely seen as strategically designed to weaken Nitish Kumar.

This “B-Team” narrative, suggesting LJP’s covert role in BJP’s larger power play, remains fresh in political memory. Udit Raj’s statement echoes that sentiment, reinforcing the idea that Chirag’s political independence is merely an illusion.

Critics within the opposition allege that such tactics have fragmented anti-BJP votes, benefiting the ruling party even when facing localized discontent.

BJP’s Silence on Udit Raj’s Accusations

As of now, neither the BJP central leadership nor Chirag Paswan himself has officially responded to Udit Raj’s comments. Political analysts interpret this silence in multiple ways — either as dismissive disregard, or as part of a larger strategic play to avoid validating the opposition’s line of attack.

Regardless, the Congress leader’s bold claim has stirred discussions across Bihar’s political circles, raising the question: Is Chirag a kingmaker, a spoiler, or simply a pawn?

Caste Dynamics and Chirag’s Paswan Vote Base

Chirag Paswan represents the Dalit vote base, particularly the Paswan community, which forms a significant percentage of Bihar’s Scheduled Caste population. His party’s ability to sway this vote — especially in a tightly contested election — makes him a critical player, even if not a major one.

This is where Udit Raj’s remarks become politically tactical. As a Dalit leader himself, Raj’s critique attempts to undermine Chirag’s standing among Dalit voters by questioning the authenticity of his leadership.

“Real empowerment comes from fighting for your people’s issues, not from following the orders of Delhi’s power elite,” Udit Raj emphasized.

Such rhetoric aims to fracture the NDA’s consolidation of Dalit support, a demographic that traditionally swung between LJP, JD(U), RJD, and increasingly, BJP.

Congress’s Revival Bid in Bihar

With the Bihar Congress facing organizational and electoral challenges for years, statements like these by leaders such as Udit Raj are part of a revival strategy. By attacking influential figures like Chirag Paswan, the Congress is attempting to:

• Position itself as a vocal opposition force,

• Reconnect with its lost Dalit and backward caste vote base, and

• Establish political relevance in the 2025 Bihar elections.

However, the party also faces internal hurdles — factionalism, weak cadre presence, and a perception of dependence on the RJD-led alliance.

NDA’s Calculations and Chirag’s Role in 2025 Elections

While the NDA alliance remains a formidable force in Bihar, the role of smaller allies like LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM (Hindustani Awam Morcha), and VIP (Vikassheel Insaan Party) will become critical in ensuring a clear majority. BJP’s strategy has often included supporting such allies to contest a few dozen seats — allowing broader caste outreach while limiting internal competition.

Chirag Paswan is expected to be rewarded with a share of seats based on vote-transferability rather than individual mass appeal. Udit Raj’s comments, therefore, challenge not just Chirag’s credibility but also the very seat-sharing model of the NDA.

Voter Sentiment: Will Loyalty to Modi Influence State Elections?

The “Modi Factor” remains central to Bihar’s political arithmetic. Udit Raj’s assertion that Chirag relies entirely on Modi and Shah is designed to provoke voters into re-examining blind loyalty toward central figures during state elections.

However, this strategy also risks alienating voters who strongly identify with PM Modi’s leadership. Hence, Congress’s messaging — while aggressive — must tread carefully to differentiate between national and state-level governance, a nuance often lost in Bihar’s polarised political environment.

2025 Bihar Elections: What’s at Stake?

The 2025 Bihar elections are being seen as a referendum on NDA governance, caste alliances, and opposition unity. With the RJD-Congress-Left forming a potential Mahagathbandhan 2.0, and the NDA eyeing a repeat victory, each political narrative is being constructed with precision.

Udit Raj’s comments signal an early push by Congress to shape the discourse, and reclaim lost ground among key voter groups.

As Bihar’s election tempo picks up, expect more such sharp-tongued statements and counter-statements. Udit Raj’s targeted remarks against Chirag Paswan bring to light long-standing questions about regional political autonomy in the NDA fold.

Whether voters will view Chirag as a dynamic young leader, a vote-divider, or merely a BJP echo chamber, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: The battle for perception has begun — and every soundbite counts.