Patna, Bihar, India: Chirag Paswan has emerged as one of the strongest performers in the recent Bihar elections, achieving an impressive 75% strike rate despite contesting a limited number of seats. The NDA alliance secured a decisive victory, surpassing expectations predicted by exit polls. Under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) recorded its highest-ever seat tally. The BJP also improved its performance, strengthening the ruling coalition. Meanwhile, Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) made a remarkable comeback, rising from a single seat in the previous election to a far stronger showing this time.

Chirag’s political journey has been marked by setbacks and turning points. After losing both his father and the original party structure, he rebuilt his organisation and continued winning elections, keeping Ram Vilas Paswan’s legacy alive. The political environment was turbulent, especially when the JD(U) was internally weakened. In the 2020 assembly elections, Chirag openly disagreed with Nitish Kumar’s leadership. Though aligned with the BJP under the NDA umbrella, the party had contested 137 seats and managed to win only one. Analysts believe this strategy had an impact on JD(U)'s vote share. The JD(U), which won 71 seats in 2015, dropped to 43 in that election. Subsequently, internal disputes with Pashupati Kumar Paras led to major changes, including MPs shifting allegiance and the party symbol being frozen by the Election Commission. This resulted in the creation of the LJP (Ram Vilas) in 2021.

Lok Sabha Elections: A Perfect Performance

Chirag rebounded strongly after the split, positioning himself as the voice of young voters in Bihar and as a leader rooted in Dalit representation. His efforts paid off when his party won all five Lok Sabha seats it contested in 2024 under the NDA, giving him a perfect 100% strike rate. He later took charge as the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries. In the latest assembly elections, his party contested 29 seats and is leading in 22, maintaining a 75% strike rate. Some political observers are comparing this momentum to Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena performance in Andhra Pradesh.

Chirag has stated that his primary goal is to contribute to Narendra Modi becoming Prime Minister again in 2029, while his supporters in Bihar express hope of seeing him in a top leadership role within the state.