Ahead of the Bihar elections, Chirag Paswan's sharp statements are making the NDA uncomfortable. The BJP leadership is planning to soon persuade Chirag to show unity within the alliance and avoid controversial remarks.
Chirag Paswan: As the heat of the assembly elections in Bihar intensifies, internal tensions within the NDA are also beginning to surface. The sharp statements of Chirag Paswan, head of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and a Union Minister, a constituent of the alliance, have made the BJP leadership uncomfortable. According to party sources, the BJP is soon going to hold a special meeting with Chirag Paswan, in which he will be bly advised to exercise restraint in his statements and to show solidarity in the interest of the alliance.
Statements Upsetting the Balance
Chirag Paswan has been criticizing the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar for the past few months. He openly questions the law and order situation in the state on public platforms and calls it a failure. He has launched fierce attacks on the Nitish government regarding the recent incidents of firing, murder, and increasing crime.
It is noteworthy that Nitish Kumar's party, JDU, is also a part of the NDA and an ally of the BJP. In such a situation, Chirag's attitude not only exposes internal differences but also gives the opposition an opportunity to attack the NDA.
BJP's Strategy: Control Before Damage
The BJP leadership fears that if Chirag Paswan's statements are not curbed in time, it could damage the NDA's image in the upcoming elections. This is the reason why a senior party leader met Chirag last week and cautioned him.
Sources say that another meeting will be held soon in which the BJP will clearly convey to Chirag that he will have to soften his stance and demonstrate solidarity towards the NDA on public platforms.
Minister at the Center, Opposition in the State?
Chirag Paswan is currently a minister in the central government, but he has also said on public platforms that he is ready to contest the Bihar assembly elections. This has created a state of confusion within the NDA. Many leaders are unable to understand whether he is a part of the alliance or taking his own political line. The BJP believes that such statements create confusion among the public and workers, and this can affect the credibility of the alliance.
Unity is Essential, Not Individual Politics
The BJP's assessment is that this time's election in Bihar could be very close, where even a slight vote share can affect the results. In such a situation, it is necessary for all the constituent parties to speak in one voice and act according to the strategy.
A senior source associated with the party said that Chirag Paswan's statements benefit the opposition Grand Alliance, which is already attacking Nitish Kumar. In such a situation, the NDA should avoid making internal disputes public.
Grip on Youth, But Restraint is Necessary
The BJP is confident about Chirag Paswan's political potential and his hold on young voters. The party also believes that his future is bright, but he needs to move forward with restraint and strategic thinking in politics.
According to a top BJP leader, 'Chirag is young, full of energy, but maturity and balance are also necessary in politics. If he is a part of the alliance, then he should behave responsibly.'
Lessons from Past Experience
The steps taken by Chirag Paswan in the 2020 assembly elections are still fresh in the minds of the BJP. Back then, he contested alone and caused heavy losses to the JDU. That strategy exposed the rift within the NDA. Now that the alliance wants to appear united, the BJP does not want Chirag's statements to once again challenge the unity of the alliance.
