BJP-LJP Rift: Union Minister Resigns as Nephew's Party Gains Ground

Union Minister Pashupati Paras shocked the political arena by resigning from the BJP-led national alliance, pulling his Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) out of the coalition. This move came after the BJP struck a seat-sharing deal with his nephew Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) for Bihar's upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Under the pact, the RLJP, led by Mr. Paras, was left without any seats, while Chirag Paswan's LJP secured five, including the prestigious Hajipur constituency won by Mr. Paras in 2019.

Expressing thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Paras cited injustice as the reason for his resignation. He remained unclear about aligning with the opposition, hinting at potential collaboration with either the Congress-Rashtriya Janata Dal alliance or the national-level INDIA bloc.

Despite reports of being sidelined by the BJP, Mr. Paras confirmed his party's intent to contest the Hajipur seat independently. This decision highlights a significant split within the Paswan family, with the BJP backing Chirag Paswan over his uncle.

This strategic shift underscores Chirag Paswan's rising influence, especially among the Paswan community, comprising around six percent of Bihar's voters. However, the BJP's support for Chirag Paswan could strain its ties with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United), posing a challenge in Bihar's political dynamics.