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Business News›Magazines›Panache›Panache People 101›Chirag Paswan
    Chirag Paswan

    Chirag Paswan

    Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
    Birth DetailsOctober 31, 1982 | Khagaria, Bihar
    NationalityIndian
    LeaguePolitician
    EducationB.Tech in Computer Science, Amity University (Dropout)
    Chirag Paswan’s Journey so far ...
    • Before entering politics, Chirag Paswan had a brief stint in the Hindi film industry. He played the main lead in the 2011 movie Miley Naa Miley Hum, which was his debut and his only cinematic outing. He was paired opposite Kangana Ranaut in the movie
    • In 2013, he was appointed as the parliamentary party board president of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP)
    • Paswan was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in May 2014. In his first term, he was a member of the Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Committee on Member of Parliament Local Area Development Schemes (MPLADS), Committee on Hindi Advisory of the Departments of Economic Affairs and Financial Services in the Ministry of Finance, Standing Committee on Science & Technology, Environment & Forests, Joint Committee on the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, and Joint Committee on the Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws and Miscellaneous Provision (Amendment Bill, 2016)
    • During this time, he was also appointed as the chairman of the Vigilance & Monitoring Cell in Jamui, Bihar
    • He was re-elected for a second term to the Lok Sabha, from the Jamui constituency, in May 2019. During his second term, he was put in charge of the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, and Law and Justice, General Purposes Committee of the Lok Sabha, Standing Committee on Industry, and the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as a member
    • Paswan was named the national president of LJP after his father’s death in October 2020
    • Following a rift among party MPs, Paswan was replaced by his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras as LJP’s national president

    Before you go ...
    • He is the son of the founder of the Lok Janshakti Party and former union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, who died in October 2020

    Last Updated: 25/08/2021

    Chirag Paswan News

    • Chirag Paswan, Union minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) president, voiced support for a caste census, joining several Opposition leaders' demand. He highlighted the importance of this data for fair resource distribution and integrating diverse castes. Paswan also confirmed his party's stance and stated they would contest the forthcoming Jharkhand assembly elections.
    • Union Minister Chirag Paswan was unanimously re-elected as the president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) for the next five years during a national executive meeting on Sunday. Paswan, who also serves as Minister of Food Processing Industries, mentioned that the meeting covered upcoming assembly elections in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Jharkhand.
    • Chirag Paswan of the LJP opposed lateral entry in government appointments, insisting on reservation provisions. The UPSC's recent lateral recruitment notification has drawn opposition criticism. Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav argue it undermines reservation rights for OBCs, SCs, and STs, alleging Prime Minister Modi is attacking constitutional norms.
    • Chirag Paswan voiced opposition to the Supreme Court's decision permitting states to form sub-groups within Scheduled Castes for quota allocation. He declared his party would appeal the judgement, asserting it would not benefit marginalized segments. Paswan also supported a caste census but insisted its results should be kept confidential for policy-making purposes.
    • Kangana Ranaut and Chirag Paswan express satisfaction with Budget 2024, highlighting benefits for their states. TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha offers mixed reviews. Budget allocates significant funds for Bihar's infrastructure and Himachal Pradesh's flood reconstruction. Concerns raised over lack of focus on Telangana, Punjab, and West Bengal.
    • Ruling NDA allies, including JDU and NCP, criticized the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government's kanwar route directive at an all-party meeting. Bihar allies emphasized the need for special category status, while Maharashtra's NCP focused on supporting onion farmers. Issues of flood management and societal cohesion were also discussed during the meeting.
    • Chirag Paswan flagged concerns about the UCC and said he cannot take a position unless a draft on it is placed before him. He, however, asserted that his Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) strongly supports the concept of simultaneous polls.
    • Chirag Paswan recalled that he and his father had often met Sonia Gandhi to discuss the future of their party in the UPA alliance. Sonia Gandhi suggested that Ram Vilas Paswan meet her son. The senior Paswan sought an appointment and waited for more than three months but Rahul Gandhi did not relent, said Chirag Paswan, who at that time too was keen to leave the UPA and join the NDA.
    • Ministers delay work for party obligations, impacting ministry activity. Former minister faces challenges with seat denial and office cancellation. WhatsApp message secures IIT admission for 25 students after technical issue.
    • Union Minister Chirag Paswan met with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in a show of solidarity between NDA partners. Paswan presented flowers to Kumar and assured support in the upcoming by-poll for the Rupauli assembly seat. The meeting comes after Paswan's induction into the Union cabinet and discussions on various issues, including recent bridge collapses.
    • Lalu Yadav claimed that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre, which came to power last month, could fall by August and elections could happen anytime.
    • Chirag Paswan, a prominent and eligible figure in Parliament, starred in a film with Kangana Ranaut. His single status has drawn attention, making him a notable personality in the Narendra Modi government.
    • The Delhi High Court advised that the challenge to Chirag Paswan's election from Hajipur should be made in the Patna High Court, as it lacks jurisdiction. The petitioner alleges sexual assault by Paswan and claims he did not disclose this information during his Lok Sabha nomination. The court set the hearing for August 28.
    • Union minister Chirag Paswan criticised Rahul Gandhi for opposing devotees of Lord Shiva in his anti-government stance, accusing him of lowering the dignity of the leader of opposition role. Paswan, a follower of Lord Shiva, condemned Gandhi's actions in the Lok Sabha. He questionied the authenticity of his faith and statements against the government. Paswan emphasised the importance of maintaining respect and integrity in political discourse.
    • 2011 film 'Miley Naa Miley Hum' costars and actor-turned-MPs Kangana Ranaut and Chirag Paswan reunited in Parliament. The duo shared a lighter moment earlier this morning - the video of which has now gone viral.
    • The recent Lok Sabha speaker election emphasized the significance of preserving the Constitution's dignity and enhancing democracy through the decisions taken, fostering a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation between ruling and opposition parties for national progress.
    • Union minister and BJP ally Chirag Paswan criticised Congress for using the "Dalit card" in the Lok Sabha speaker election, alleging the opposition's tactic of fielding Dalit leaders when defeat is certain. He gave instances from previous VP and presidential votes. Paswan questioned if Dalit leaders are merely symbolic choices for the opposition after the nomination of K Suresh against NDA's Om Birla.
    • India’s food processing sector has immense potential both at national and international levels, said Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries.
    • Prime Minister Modi's third-term government commenced with ministers assuming office, focusing on continuity and change. Key portfolios remained with experienced leaders. Priorities include promoting India's global stance and internal development, addressing issues like China relations, and enhancing citizen services. Ministers pledged to fulfill Modi's vision of a prosperous and united Bharat.
    • Chirag Paswan, the two-time MP from Bihar and chief of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), has made a remarkable political comeback by assuming charge as Minister of Food Processing Industries. Expressing his commitment to unlocking the sector's potential, Paswan emphasized its importance in benefiting farmers directly. He plans to expand processing units across the country, particularly in areas reliant on agriculture.
    • By retaining key members from his previous council of ministers, PM has signalled continuity at the top while bringing in fresh faces.
    • Chirag Paswan to Kumaraswamy: What allies got in Modi 3.0, see full list
    • Manjhi was sworn in as a Union Cabinet Minister in Modi 3.0 government. He has served as the 23rd chief minister of Bihar, and is the founding president of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM). Previously, Manjhi had served as the minister for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes welfare in Nitish Kumar's Cabinet. He won the Gaya seat in 2024 general elections.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in for a third consecutive term, matching Jawaharlal Nehru's record. Dignitaries from neighboring countries attended the ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. An animal sighted during MP Durga Das's oath drew social media attention. President Droupadi Murmu administered oaths to Modi, 30 cabinet ministers, 36 Ministers of State, and five MoS with independent charge from the NDA.
    • It was the fifth oath-taking ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt and was the largest. Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders of regional parties, including Chirag Paswan and Ram Mohan Naidu, received the loudest cheer.
    • The new team has 27 from Other Backward Classes, 10 from Scheduled Castes and five each from Scheduled Castes and minority communities. There is no Muslim representation in the Union Council of Ministers. In the new political scenario, BJP allies have received 11 ministerial berths.
    • Those joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's council of ministers for the first time include three former chief ministers -- Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Madhya Pradesh), Manohar Lal Khattar (Haryana) and HD Kumaraswamy (Karnataka).
    • Chirag Paswan's victory in Bihar's recent elections under LJP (RV) marked his resilience. Elected as the LJP (RV) Parliamentary Party leader, he remains committed to his father's vision, aiming to transform the state with the 'Bihar first, Bihari first' agenda.
    • Amidst anticipation surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new Union Council of Ministers, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to welcome several new faces into the government. As the swearing-in ceremony approaches, here's a glimpse into the potential lineup and the dynamics at play:
    • Mediapersons sweat hard due to political tension and rising temperatures. Chilled water and soft drinks were served outside JP Nadda's house to keep them hydrated.
    • President Droupadi Murmu appointed Narendra Modi as the next Prime Minister of India after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) submitted letters of support. The appointment was confirmed by Rashtrapati Bhavan, stating that Modi will lead the 18th Lok Sabha. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for June 9.
    • Long before embarking on their political careers, MPs Kangana Ranaut and Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan starred together in a romantic comedy. Yes, you read that correctly! For those unaware, the Bharatiya Janata Party MP and Paswan co-starred in a movie titled 'Miley Na Miley Hum' back in 2011!
    • A social media row erupted over RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary's seating during the NDA meeting in Parliament. While key NDA allies sat on stage with PM Modi, Chaudhary was placed among the elected members, sparking mockery from the Samajwadi Party. They highlighted BJP’s alleged disrespect towards Chaudhary and questioned his alliance with the NDA, given his party’s farmer-centric stance.
    • Janasena Pary chief Pawan Kalyan has backed the proposal to name Narendra Modi as Prime Minister, stating that the country will never bow down to anyone as long as Modi remains the PM. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo N Chandrababu Naidu affirmed TDP's support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and proposed Modi for the post, highlighting his vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Viksit Bharat. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Modi's leadership and said the NDA government received praise worldwide due to its efficient government.
    • Chirag Paswan elected as LJP Parliamentary Party leader in Delhi. NDA alliance to form government under PM Modi's leadership. BJP, JDU, and LJP secured seats in Bihar elections.
    • LJP (Ram Vilas) extends 'unconditional' support to PM Narendra Modi, hailing his leadership for NDA's victory. Party chief Chirag Paswan emphasizes acceptance of Modi's leadership without conditions.
    • The outcome of the 18th Lok Sabha polls, revealed on Tuesday, underscores Chirag Paswan's prowess as a politician and his embodiment as the true political successor to his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, who passed away in 2020. Despite initial astonishment over the Bharatiya Janata Party's decision to allocate five seats to Chirag's party while sidelining his rival faction led by his uncle, Pashupati Kumar Paras, the young leader has showcased remarkable performance in the Lok Sabha elections.
    • ​​Sources close to Shinde told ET that he is expected to tell the BJP leadership that he needs to be given a “free hand” in running the government in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Chirag Paswan may bargain for at least two Cabinet seats.
    • Chirag Paswan, two-time MP and president of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), is leading in the Hajipur seat, with his party's candidates ahead in four other Bihar constituencies, according to the Election Commission. Paswan affirmed his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating on social media that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will form a majority government under Modi's leadership, providing the country with a strong and powerful administration for a third consecutive term.
    • Brij Bhushan Singh, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader, has expressed confidence in his son Karan Singh's victory from the Kaisarganj Lok Sabha seat, despite allegations of sexual harassment by women wrestlers. Singh believes his party will gain more votes despite these allegations. He also praised his son's mannerisms, discipline, and sportsmanship. Singh also predicted that the Narendra Modi government will come to power for the third time with a large majority, despite distractions.
    • RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and Union Minister Piyush Goyal participated in the fifth phase of voting for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 in Mumbai. The voting process began at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm, with those in line still allowed to vote. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported that over 8.95 crore voters, including 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, will decide the fate of 695 candidates in the fifth phase.
    • Chirag Paswan faces challenging electoral battle in Hajipur against uncle Pashupati Paras. Lok Sabha polls on May 20, results on June 4, with six Assembly segments involved.
    • Chirag Paswan's bid for the Hajipur Lok Sabha seat signifies a crucial moment as he seeks to assert his father's political legacy. Facing opposition from his uncle's faction and criticism over ticket distribution, Chirag navigates one of his toughest electoral battles yet. While he banks on NDA support and PM Modi's popularity, his opponent Tejashwi Yadav leverages his local roots and unity within the opposition. Despite challenges, Chirag remains determined, with PM Modi's recent visit underscoring strong support. The outcome of the election hinges on the complex political dynamics and voter sentiments in Hajipur.
    • Chirag Paswan aims to carry forward his father's legacy in Hajipur, promising development and connectivity to the constituency. However, he faces a tough challenge from Shiv Chandra Ram of the RJD, who enjoys local support and represents a formidable opposition alliance. The RJD is banking on its diverse voter base, including Nishad, Chaurasia, Kushwaha, Bhumihar, Muslim, and Yadav communities, while highlighting Ram Vilas Paswan's legacy of championing the socially marginalized. Chirag Paswan's strained relations with his uncle and the need to maintain a prominent presence across the state add to the complexities of his campaign.
    • During the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, LJP chief Chirag Paswan criticised the INDIA bloc for unclear policies. He expressed confidence in NDA's victory, stating they have already secured a majority after four phases. In Bihar, where all 40 seats are contested in seven phases, NDA aims to strengthen its position. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4.
    • RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav claims 'full support' from 'uncle' Nitish Kumar, a BJP ally, in his fight against the saffron party at a rally in Bihar's Madhubani district.
    • Chirag Paswan who is present in Varanasi for Prime Minister's nomination filing said, "The unity of NDA is what is giving us benefits all over the country. Today, all the supporters of PM Modi are here in support of him during his nomination filing. Our strength is our unity."
    • People lined the barricaded roads, some of them holding saffron flags, balloons and small "trishuls". Small stages were set up along the route where cultural performances were held. Cutouts of famous people from Kashi were installed in many places.
    • Although Paswan and Yadav have been good friends for long, their relationship rooted in the close ties between their fathers, late Ram Vilas Paswan and Lalu Prasad, respectively, political rivalry seems to have got the better of personal rapport.
    • Chirag Paswan files for Hajipur Lok Sabha seat to secure late father's legacy, supported by BJP amid split from Paras. Emotional departure captured on social media.
    • Mehboob Ali Kaiser, lone Muslim in BJP-led NDA, joins RJD, denied LJP ticket. Started with Congress, won Khagaria seat, son contested. Uncertainty on RJD candidacy for 23 Lok Sabha seats.
    • In his letter, Paswan said that the particular action has refreshed the memories of Jungle Raj as during that time it was difficult for mothers and daughters to leave their homes.
    • Upendra Kushwaha, former Union Minister and NDA nominee from Karakat Lok Sabha seat, has expressed concern over farmers in his constituency and Bihar not receiving minimum support prices and being vulnerable to middlemen. Kushwaha believes that the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken steps to eliminate middlemen and guarantee better prices for farmers' produce.
    • Lok Janshakti Party releases its Lok Sabha candidates list. Chirag Paswan to contest from Hajipur. NDA govt, BJP, and JD-(U) share seats. Arun Bharti, Rajesh Verma, Shambhavi Choudhary, Veena Devi among other candidates announced.
    • "We will announce all our candidates in a few days... immediately after Holi," Paswan said on Sunday, but evaded a direct reply to the question of whether he would accommodate Veena Devi and Mehboob Ali Kaiser, sitting MPs from Vaishali and Khagaria, respectively.
    • Chirag Paswan, leader of Lok Janshakti Party, vows to contest Lok Sabha elections from Hajipur against Uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras. Paswan emphasizes familial and political significance of decision. Party holds parliamentary meeting to strategize. Paswan assures release of candidate list soon. Meanwhile, RLJP President Paras has resigned as Union Minister over dissatisfaction with seat allocation, declares intent to contest from Hajipur.
    • Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras on Tuesday resigned from the Modi Cabinet after being snubbed by NDA in Bihar. Paras joined the Cabinet in July 2021 after breaking away from Chirag Paswan with five MPs. On Monday, BJP and other allies in Bihar announced a seat sharing deal. Paras' party, the Rashtriya Lok Jan Shakti Party, was kept out of it.
    • Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha warned disgruntled NDA allies Pashupati Kumar Paras and Upendra Kushwaha against aligning with the opposition Mahagathbandhan. Sinha emphasised BJP's respect for allies and support for Chirag Paswan. JD(U) also urged Paras not to join the anti-NDA coalition.
    • Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras resigned, alleging the BJP's "injustice" towards his party, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), for excluding it from Bihar's Lok Sabha seat-sharing deal. Paras, the sole RLJP member in the Union Cabinet, thanked PM Modi but expressed discontent over his treatment, without specifying future plans.
    • The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar has finalized its seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, but this decision has sparked concerns about the alliance's unity. Under the agreement, the BJP will contest 17 seats, while Nitish Kumar's JD(U) will fight on 16 seats. The LJP, led by Chirag Paswan, has been allocated 5 seats, excluding Union Minister Pashupati Paras, leading to potential factional contests within the LJP. Despite Chirag Paswan's strong relationship with the BJP, Paras has warned of rebellion, threatening the alliance's prospects in Bihar.
    • Chirag Paswan, LJP chief, announced seat-sharing formula with BJP for Lok Sabha polls. J P Nadda addressed all concerns. Hajipur seat may be given to Paswan, the bastion of LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan. NDA aiming for 400 seats in upcoming elections.
    • BJP's Vinod Tawde joined hands with Nitish Kumar-led JDU to save Bihar from RJD's misrule. Lalu Prasad tried to break JDU to appoint Tejashwi Yadav as chief minister. The alliance punctures the INDIA bloc's fault lines. Tawde oversaw the government formation process in Patna after meeting BJP leaders in Delhi.
    • Nitish Kumar assumes Bihar's Chief Minister role with BJP support after resigning, forming a new government. The swearing-in ceremony introduces a revamped cabinet, featuring two Deputy CMs—Vijay Sinha and Samrat Choudhary. The realignment follows Nitish Kumar's alliance breakdown with the RJD, emphasizing unfulfilled promises. Bihar BJP Chief, Samrat Choudhary, clarifies the situation, emphasizing the need for assessment before decisions.
    • Nitish Kumar took oath as the new chief minister of Bihar on Sunday, with the support of the BJP. This decision came shortly after Kumar had tendered his resignation. Alongside BJP officials, Nitish staked a claim to form the new government.
    • Nitish Kumar, with the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is likely to take oath as the new Chief Minister of Bihar on Sunday. This development occurred shortly after he submitted his resignation from the position. The decision comes amidst growing speculation of a rift within the INDIA bloc.
    • BJP leaders arriving at the party office said that discussion will be held to chalk out the strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. BJP Bihar President Samrat Chaudhary also arrived at the party office in Patna for the meeting.
    • Chirag Paswan, chief of Lok Janshakti Party, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda to discuss the prevailing political situation in Bihar. Paswan expressed his concerns and received assurances from them. The alliance between the parties is considered positive, and more clarity will emerge in the coming days, said Paswan.
    • The BJP has been keeping in touch with its Bihar allies, including Manjhi, Chirag Paswan, Upendra Kushwaha and Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras, amid evolving political developments in the state. Manjhi's party has four MLAs who could play a critical role in the balance of power in the state.
    • Another one is related to Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. While its original 'bow and arrow' symbol has been given to the Eknath Shinde faction, the free symbol allocated to it - 'mashaal' or torch - is in dispute. Uday Mandal-led Samata Party, which once held the symbol and fought 2022 UP civic polls under it, has urged ECI to withdraw 'mashaal' from the UT Sena. The issue has been dragged to courts too.
    • Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras on Tuesday asserted that he is the political "heir" of former Lok Janshakti Party chief and his late brother Ram Vilas Paswan, while Chirag Paswan will inherit only his father's financial assets by law. Ram Vilas Paswan, a veteran Dalit leader and a political heavyweight from Bihar, passed away in October 2020 after prolonged illness. His Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) split into two factions following differences between his son Chirag Paswan and younger brother Paras.
    • Four individuals have been arrested by the police in Bihar's Araria district in connection with the murder of journalist Vimal Kumar Yadav. The unfortunate incident occurred on Friday at Yadav's residence in Premnagar village. Yadav, aged 35, was working for a Hindi daily.
    • Asked about Modi's 'ghamandia' jibe against the Opposition INDIA bloc, he said: "All of us have united together for the betterment of the country. They (the BJP) are not aware that many parties, which I shall not name right now, are with them out of fear. They will come over to this side when the elections are announced."
    • Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras on Saturday said he will contest the next Lok Sabha polls from Hajipur, rebuffing his nephew Chirag Paswan who has staked claim on late father Ram Vilas Paswan's constituency. Addressing a press conference at the headquarters of his Rashtriya Lok Janashakti Party here, Paras expressed confidence that the BJP-led NDA will back his claim on the seat and not that of Chirag who was "yet to become a part" of the coalition.
    • Chirag Paswan launched an attack once again on Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and said that he cannot be in alliance with the JDU.
    • Chirag Paswan slams 'Mahagathbandhan' after joining BJP; says NDA will win all 40 seats of Bihar in 2024. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan has decided to return to the NDA, BJP chief J P Nadda announced on Monday, hours after Paswan met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a day before the crucial meeting of the ruling coalition.
    • "Will Nadda ji call him a dynast as well or is that tag only for parties that oppose the BJP?" Abdullah wrote on Twitter after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president J P Nadda posted photographs on the microblogging website of his meeting with Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan.
    • The Opposition parties are meeting for the second time to formulate the roadmap for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections with the aim of defeating the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The meeting is to take place on Monday and Tuesday at Taj West End Hotel in Bengaluru. The meeting on Tuesday will start at about 11 am and will continue till 4 pm.
    • Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Chirag Paswan met senior BJP leader and Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday, a day ahead of the ruling National Democratic Alliance meeting. Paswan is in talks with the BJP for finalising his party's share of Lok Sabha seats in Bihar for the 2024 general elections, and the meeting is being seen as part of that exercise.
    • Chirag Paswan has emphasised on clarity from the BJP about his share of Lok Sabha and also assembly seats in Bihar before formalising their alliance, sources in the LJP (R) said. He also wants the BJP to concede to him the Hajipur Lok Sabha seat, a pocket borough of his father for decades but currently represented by Paras in Parliament. His uncle has also staked claim to the seat, asserting that he and not Chirag is the late leader's political heir.
    • The National Democratic Alliance will host a meeting of its partners as the BJP seeks to show support for the ruling party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. Attendees of the meeting will reportedly be representatives of all regions and showcase the strength of the NDA after the BJP has worked to win back allies and make new ones, such as Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP. The Congress has criticised the BJP amid the opposition parties' meeting in Bengaluru to forge unity.
    • The opposition meeting also comes in the backdrop of the split in the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the West Bengal panchayat polls which saw widespread violence that claimed many lives with state units of the Congress and Left parties accusing the TMC government of oppression. The sources said the opposition parties will chart out a joint agitational plan across the country against the policies of the BJP, especially after the NCP split in Maharashtra.
    • The BJP's outreach to Paswan, son of late stalwart Dalit leader Ram Vilas Paswan, underscores its push to bring him back into the NDA's fold after he walked out of the alliance in Bihar in the 2020 state assembly polls to campaign against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was then the BJP's biggest ally.
    • In a show of strength, the BJP has called an NDA meeting on July 18, which will be attended by several of its new allies -- the Ajit Pawar faction of NCP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Jiten Ram Manjhi-led Hindustan Awam Morcha. The meeting incidentally is being held on the day when opposition parties are also holding their second joint meeting in Bengaluru.
    • Pashupati Kumar Paras, Union food processing minister and uncle of LJP leader Chirag Paswan, has claimed to be the rightful political heir of the late Ram Vilas Paswan. Paras stated that his brother had asked him to contest from his constituency, Hajipur, instead of Chirag Paswan. Paras also accused Paswan of forging a deal with RJD and trying to stake a claim on the Hajipur seat.
    • Amid speculation of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan joining the NDA, the latter on Sunday said that he will take a call regarding forming an alliance for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections after 2-3 more meetings with party leaders.
    • The Supreme Court order on the Shiv Sena dispute has not only upheld the Election Commission’s decision to grant the ‘bow and arrow’ symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction but also strengthened the poll panel’s overall primacy in determining all symbol-related disputes through a test that is ‘best suited’ to the ‘facts and complexities of the specific case’.
    • Lashing out at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Paswan alleged that laws in the state were being abused and demanded imposition of the President's rule. "Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is not being able to manage the state. There is a complete abuse of law there and we think that the President's rule should be imposed in the state as soon as possible," he said.
    • "I will explain why I call myself the political successor of 'bade saheb'. He started off as an MLA from Alauli in Bihar in 1969 and gave up the seat in 1977 upon becoming the MP from Hajipur. He asked me to contest from the assembly seat and I followed his orders though I was in a government job," said Paras, who now represents Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Sabha seat.
    • Paswan also lauded the government for increasing the allocation for the PM Awas Yojana, as well as the announcements made regarding women empowerment. Having a female President, a female Finance Minister in our country, we were expecting this. This government is not only talking about women but also delivering it to them," he said.
    • The Jamui MP noted that a woman and her five-year-old daughter were burnt in Arwal after their house was set ablaze by people trying to assault the mother.
    • The by-elections are being seen as the first test of strength for the BJP, weakened after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's exit from the NDA two months ago, and the "Mahagathbandhan" helmed by RJD which is enjoying power with the CM's JD(U) as an ally.
    • The LJP (Ram Vilas) will contest the upcoming Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls, party president Chirag Paswan announced on Monday. The party is, however, yet to take a decision on the number of seats it will contest in the two poll-bound states, Paswan stated.
    • BJP has always kept the extended rope towards Chirag Paswan and party leaders have maintained that Chirag is still part of the NDA. During the presidential election, union minister Rajnath Singh had called Chirag and asked for his support for Droupadi Murmu. Chirag has supported and had also attended the NDA meeting on the presidential poll.
    • The young leader who is fighting to retain the legacy of late father Ram Vilas Paswan, however, cryptically added that he was not ruling out the possibility of siding with the RJD which has now aligned with Kumar since "alliances have lost their sanctity in Bihar. You can tie up with one party before polls and join hands with another after elections".
    • ET gathers that the EC has had to send reminders to the two factions to submit documents establishing their claims, for a final decision to be taken on the symbol and party name. The new deadline is the month end and the poll panel has sent a fresh reminder to the two factions.
    • The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader also came out in support of the BJP amid the political turmoil in Bihar and said the saffron party had accepted everything that Kumar wanted as chief minister and even compromised on its own policies.
    • A decision was taken to ally with the BJP in 2014 under the leadership of LJP founder and Dalit stalwart Ram Vilas Paswan, and his party will continue to adhere to his decision, Pashupati Kumar Paras said. His decision is significant as the split engineered by him in the LJP against the leadership of Chirag Paswan was seen to have the backing of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U).
    • "We had to vacate this sooner or later. I do, however, slightly object to the way it has been done," he said. The ministerial bungalow was allotted in 1990 to his father, a stalwart Dalit leader who was a minister for much of the period till his death in 2020.
    • Dismissing the petition by Chirag Paswan's mother Reena Paswan, Justice Yashwant Varma observed that at this stage, it will have to stall the process which has already started and that the premises was not his "party headquarters".
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