Today marks the birth anniversary of Ram Vilas Paswan, the founder of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and one of the most experienced and influential leaders in Indian politics, known as a b pillar of social justice politics. Born on July 5, 1946, in a Dalit family in the village of Shaharbanni, Khagaria district, Bihar, Paswan rose through struggles to establish a b identity not only at the state but also at the national level. His life exemplified not just politics, but also the fight for social justice and raising the voice of the marginalized.
Leaving a DSP Job to Forge a Political Path
Ram Vilas Paswan was brilliant in his studies from the beginning. He earned degrees in law and political science from Koshi College, Khagaria, and Patna University. After completing his studies in 1969, he was selected for the post of DSP in the Bihar Police Service. This was a significant achievement for a Dalit youth during that time. However, Paswan's dream was not just to have a secure job—he wanted to bring about change. His passion for social service and the desire for change drew him towards politics. He quit his job and entered active politics that same year.
The Beginning of Politics and a Name in the Guinness Book
Ram Vilas Paswan began his political journey in 1969 with the United Socialist Party and was elected as an MLA from the Alauli assembly seat that same year. However, he gained real recognition in national politics in 1977, when he contested the Hajipur Lok Sabha seat on a Janata Party ticket and won with a record 4.25 lakh votes. This victory was considered the largest margin of victory in the world at the time, and his name was entered in the Guinness World Records.
Surprisingly, he broke his own record by winning the election from Hajipur again in 1989. This proves how b his public support was and how popular he was as a leader.
Foundation of LJP and Working with Six Prime Ministers
In 2000, Ram Vilas Paswan founded the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). From the beginning, this party became the voice of Dalits, backward classes, and the marginalized. Paswan represented the Lok Sabha nine times and the Rajya Sabha twice in his political career.
His greatest political strength was—remaining relevant in every government. He worked as a central minister with six prime ministers—V.P. Singh, H.D. Deve Gowda, I.K. Gujral, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi. He held responsibility for important ministries like Railways, Coal, Telecommunications, and Consumer Affairs. It was the result of his political acumen and strategy of balance that he was able to find his place in the ruling camp in every era.
'Weather Scientist' and Discussions About His Personal Life
Ram Vilas Paswan was called a 'weather scientist' because he was adept at assessing political situations ahead of time and choosing the right side. Whether it was a Congress government or a BJP government, he always kept himself relevant.
His personal life was also a topic of discussion. He married Rajkumari Devi in 1960, but this relationship ended in divorce in 1981. After this, he married Reena Sharma in 1983, who was an air hostess with Air India.
Chirag Paswan is Carrying on the Legacy
Ram Vilas Paswan passed away on October 8, 2020, after a long illness, but his political philosophy and the fight for social justice are still alive in the minds of the people of the country. His ideas and principles guide not only his party, but also the entire Dalit politics. His son, Chirag Paswan, is now handling the LJP and is working to carry forward his father's legacy and trying to give the party a new direction by focusing on social concerns.
Ram Vilas Paswan may not be with us today, but his contribution to Indian politics, especially his fight for the rights of Dalits and backward classes, will always make him memorable. His life is an inspiration to those who dream big despite limited resources and struggle to fulfill them.
