Patna: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president and Union Minister Chirag Paswan has dismissed speculation of any rift within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), asserting that his party has always upheld the dignity and discipline of the alliance.
In an exclusive interview, ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Paswan clarified that there were no conflicts with Janata Dal (United) and that the seat-sharing process was resolved in a cooperative and amicable manner.
“I have always maintained that alliance talks should remain within the alliance. Even when I stayed silent, people assumed there was conflict. But my silence was only to avoid confusion and maintain decorum,” he said.
Paswan had previously criticised the JD(U)-led Bihar government over rising crime, which fuelled rumours of internal tensions. However, he firmly rejected this narrative, saying there was “never any chance of conflict,” as his request for seats was accepted in the very first round of talks.
He praised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for handling negotiations efficiently. The BJP initially proposed a pool of 35–38 seats from which LJP (Ram Vilas) could choose. Ultimately, 29 seats were finalised—matching the number his party won under his late father Ram Vilas Paswan in 2005.
“There was not the slightest conflict with JD(U) on any seat. BJP acted as the nodal agency and ensured everyone was satisfied,” he added.
Chirag also clarified that he never sought a larger share than BJP or JD(U). “I would never want the Prime Minister’s party or the Chief Minister’s party to contest fewer than 100 seats. We need a strong alliance to win,” he emphasised.
Launching a sharp attack on the Mahagathbandhan, he said the opposition lacked coordination and a central decision-making body. “In NDA, BJP coordinates beautifully. In Mahagathbandhan, everyone talks individually and no consensus is reached,” he noted.
Within the NDA, BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each, LJP(RV) 29, and RLM and HAM six each. Bihar polls will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14.
