Chirag Paswan interview: ‘I have no problem sharing dais with CM (Nitish Kumar)… not aiming to replace anyone, want to create my own space’

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Chirag Paswan has managed to upstage his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras to become the BJP’s ally in Bihar, receiving five tickets for his Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) in return. Chirag, a two-time MP, will contest from his father Ram Vilas Paswan’s traditional seat Hajipur.

In an interview to The Indian Express, Chirag talks about his long battle for political acceptance since his father died in 2020, his uncle, his see-saw equation with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the allegations of promoting his family in politics.

Excerpts:

Now that the LJP (RV) has got its position as the “original LJP” in the NDA, what do you have to say about your journey since your father’s demise?

It has been a very tough journey ever since I lost my father. My family and party were divided. My own people cornered me. I was often called a star-kid politician. But the struggle made me a better person and leader.

Now that the BJP has accepted us as the original LJP and we are contesting five seats, including the prestigious Hajipur (currently represented by Paras), a little battle is won. But we are bracing for the main battle ahead.

What are your first thoughts on contesting from Hajipur, the seat your father represented nine times?

I am happy, emotional, and nervous as my father had set a very high benchmark. I would not call the opportunity of contesting from Hajipur a part of my sustained efforts to stay connected with people but I feel the onus of carrying forward the legacy of my father. To top it all, I have to live up to the expectations of the people of Hajipur, which was almost synonymous with my father for over four decades.

Do you see your uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras as having lost the battle of