Patna: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has redefined the traditional “MY” equation in Bihar politics, shifting the focus from caste-based politics to empowerment of Mahilayein (women) and Yuva (youth) under his vision of “Bihar First, Bihari First.”
In an exclusive interview with ANI ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Paswan highlighted the significant role of women in the state’s growth and underscored the need to include them in decision-making processes. He also stressed the importance of harnessing the potential of the youth through quality education, skill development, and employment opportunities.
Explaining his revamped MY formula, Paswan said both women and youth face similar challenges, and empowering them is essential for building a “Viksit Bihar.” He criticised other youth leaders for politicising young people through caste and religion, stating that his approach is based on inclusivity and development, rather than division.
The political landscape in Bihar is currently witnessing two interpretations of the MY formula. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD, is relying on its traditional Muslim-Yadav base, while the NDA—which includes BJP, JD(U), and LJP (Ram Vilas)—is appealing to women and youth voters as drivers of progress.
Paswan’s party is contesting 29 seats, the same number won by his late father Ram Vilas Paswan in the 2005 Assembly polls. Calling it a spiritual sign, Chirag said he believes in manifestations and sees this as more than a coincidence.
He revealed that the party is exploring legal options after the nomination of LJP (RV) candidate Seema Singh was rejected due to a human error. Paswan vowed to work tirelessly to ensure a 100% strike rate for the NDA.
Launching a sharp attack on the Mahagathbandhan, he said their inability to finalize seat-sharing reflects internal confusion, questioning how they could develop Bihar without unity. Confident of an NDA victory, he predicted their performance would exceed expectations, aided by the opposition’s complacency.
Polling in the Bihar elections will take place on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14.