Despite being a part of the BJP-led NDA government, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has often taken distinct stances on various issues, appearing to articulate his positions separately. From the recent row over the Election Commission to incidents of crime in Bihar, caste discrimination and his party’s electoral plans, Paswan has publicly voiced a strong and independent stand.
Paswan On Election Commission And SIR
On Friday, Paswan urged Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to put forward the Election Commission’s position more strongly amid the row over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He said the poll panel should focus on reassuring the public rather than responding to the Opposition. “It is also the responsibility of the Chief Election Commissioner to present his side more strongly. Not to satisfy the Opposition, but to take the public into confidence. If doubts arise in people’s minds, that is not right," Paswan said while speaking to reporters.
His remarks came against the backdrop of a report in The Indian Express that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections on at least 14 occasions over the past 10 months regarding various decisions and orders of the poll panel.
Paswan Condemns Jamui And Samastipur Incidents
A day earlier, Paswan spoke about the incidents in Bihar’s Jamui and Samastipur. Describing the incidents as a matter of concern, he said, “Undoubtedly, the way shameful incidents are being carried out by some anti-social elements in Jamui and now in Samastipur... is undoubtedly a matter of concern, and it needs to be taken with utter seriousness.” Paswan said he had spoken to Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on the issue.
On Swatantra Bhardwaj
Earlier, on September 4, Paswan had filed a police complaint against Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, alleging the false use of his name to claim political protection. The action followed a viral podcast clip in which Bhardwaj claimed that he had political backing from leaders including Paswan. He publicly distanced himself and his party from Bhardwaj, saying that meeting people in public life does not make them personal acquaintances.
Paswan On Uttarakhand 'Purification' Ritual
On August 29, Paswan had also expressed concern over a “purification” ritual at a venue in Uttarakhand where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a rally. Referring to the issue of discrimination against Dalits, he said, “If the social situation remains unchanged, it is certainly a matter of concern for our government as well.
He had firmly stated that reservation is a constitutional right and that no power on earth can abolish it. "These people see politics in everything. After all, aren't the Sangh, the BJP, and our party all part of the NDA? Is reservation something that can be abolished just because someone says so? It is a constitutional right," Paswan said while commenting on the matter
LJP (RV) To Contest UP Elections
Earlier, on July 18, Paswan announced that his party was preparing to contest the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly election and would contest independently on all 403 seats. This came as a shocker for many since the LJP (RV) is part of the NDA government at the centre and also maintains a good relationship with the BJP.