Former Union Minister Pashupati Paras announced on Monday that his party, the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), has officially parted ways with the BJP-led NDA. The BJP has decided to support his nephew, Chirag Paswan, instead.
Explaining his decision to leave the NDA, Paras stated that the alliance had wronged his party, which primarily represents Dalits.
Paras also criticized the JD(U), accusing them of sidelining RLJP. He pointed out that both the BJP and JD(U) leaders in Bihar referred to themselves as the “5 Pandavas” but failed to include his party in their discussions.
Pashupati Paras Breaks NDA Ties
In a major political move ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) leader Pashupati Paras announced his party’s exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Pashupati Paras cited repeated neglect and lack of respect from key NDA partners as the main reasons for this decision.
During a press conference in Patna on Monday, Paras expressed his disappointment with the treatment his party received despite its long-standing loyalty to the NDA.
He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] of sidelining the RLJP, especially during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. “We’ve been loyal allies since 2014, but we were always treated unfairly. Our party, which represents Dalits, was denied the recognition we rightfully deserved,” said Paras.
Paras particularly criticized BJP and JD(U) leaders for repeatedly referring to themselves as the “five Pandavas” in Bihar politics while excluding RLJP from their discussions. He pointed out that this exclusion showed a clear lack of respect for his party’s contributions. “In every NDA meeting, the state presidents of BJP and JD(U) mentioned the five Pandavas, but never once acknowledged RLJP. This was a humiliating experience,” Paras added.
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RLJP to Contest All 243 Assembly Seats in Bihar
Taking a bold step after exiting the NDA, the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) has announced that it will contest all 243 seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, expected to take place between October and November this year. Although the Election Commission has not yet released the official dates, the party has already kicked off a statewide membership drive to strengthen its grassroots presence.
RLJP chief Pashupati Paras also hinted at future political possibilities, saying that while the party is preparing to go solo, it remains open to alliances, especially with the Mahagathbandhan, which includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties. “We’re ready to fight alone, but if we are treated with the respect we deserve, we are open to talks with the Mahagathbandhan,” Paras said.
RLJP’s departure from the NDA signals a possible shift in Bihar’s political landscape, setting the stage for a competitive battle between the ruling alliance, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and the BJP, and the opposition Mahagathbandhan.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why did Pashupati Paras leave the NDA?
Ans. Pashupati Paras cited repeated neglect and lack of respect from NDA partners, especially the BJP and JD(U), as the reason for exiting the alliance.
Q.2. Will RLJP contest the Bihar Assembly elections alone?
Ans. Yes, RLJP has announced plans to contest all 243 assembly seats in Bihar on its own, while keeping alliance options open.
Q.3. Is RLJP open to joining the Mahagathbandhan?
Ans. RLJP is open to discussions with the Mahagathbandhan if it receives proper respect and recognition.
Q.4. What did Paras say about the BJP and JD(U) leadership?
Ans. Paras criticized them for referring to themselves as the “five Pandavas” and excluding RLJP from political narratives and decisions.
Q.5. When are the Bihar Assembly elections expected?
Ans. The Bihar Assembly elections are anticipated to be held between October and November 2025, though official dates are yet to be announced by the Election Commission.
