Political Tensions Rise in Bihar: Chirag Paswan Demands Deputy CM Post, BJP Faces Challenge

Patna, Bihar – As the Bihar government holds closed-door meetings to finalize its new cabinet, political tensions are escalating within the NDA alliance. The focal point of the dispute is the demand by Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan for the Deputy Chief Minister post—a request that the BJP is reluctant to grant.

Nitish Kumar Likely to Remain CM

The picture regarding the Chief Minister’s post is becoming clearer. BJP leaders have indicated that Nitish Kumar will continue as Chief Minister. Kumar himself has made it clear that he will accept nothing less, warning the BJP of serious consequences if he is sidelined. Although top BJP leaders have yet to make an official announcement, all signs point toward Nitish Kumar remaining the CM.

Chirag Paswan’s Strong Performance Fuels Demands

On the other side, Chirag Paswan is leveraging his party’s impressive strike rate in the recent elections. In the Lok Sabha polls, LJP (Ram Vilas) secured all five seats it contested, and in the latest assembly elections, the party won 19 out of 29 seats allotted to it. Paswan argues that this strong performance merits a significant reward, specifically the Deputy CM post and several ministerial positions.

BJP’s Reluctance and Internal Struggles

The BJP, however, is not keen on giving away the Deputy CM position to Paswan or his party. The party wants to retain control over all key ministries and major posts, sidelining LJP (Ram Vilas) to less influential roles. While some LJP MLAs may be appointed as ministers, the most critical departments will remain under BJP’s control. Chirag Paswan has openly stated that he will not settle for anything less than the Deputy CM post, leading to a standoff within the NDA.

Paswan has also demanded four ministerial posts, with three names already in the spotlight: Raju Tiwari (state president of LJP Ram Vilas), Sanjay Paswan (party’s principal general secretary), and Sanjay Singh (who defeated Tej Pratap Yadav in Mahua). These leaders are being pushed for cabinet positions by Paswan.

BJP’s Strategy: Caste Equations and Power Sharing

BJP plans to have two Deputy Chief Ministers from its own ranks, with Samrat Choudhary almost certain for one spot. There is speculation that Vijay Sinha may be replaced this time, possibly by a Rajput leader to balance caste equations. This leaves little room for Chirag Paswan’s demand, as the BJP aims to maintain its own dominance in the cabinet.

A Stalemate Ahead of Oath Ceremony

With the oath-taking ceremony for the CM post scheduled for November 20, the pressure is mounting. Cabinet expansion and portfolio allocation are also expected on the same day. The question remains: how will the BJP manage Chirag Paswan’s demands? His strong electoral performance and assertive stance have complicated negotiations, reminiscent of previous seat-sharing disputes.

Whether the BJP can successfully negotiate with Paswan and prevent a split in the NDA remains to be seen. As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on the outcome of these high-stakes talks.

Stay tuned for further updates on Bihar’s evolving political landscape.