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PATNA, April 14, 2025 — In a dramatic political turn, Pashupati Kumar Paras, leader of the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), declared his party’s formal separation from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The announcement came during a public function marking Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary.
“I have been with the NDA since 2014. Today I announce that henceforth my party shall have no links with the NDA,” said Paras, emphasizing what he described as injustice and neglect towards his Dalit-based party.
RLJP Marginalized in Bihar NDA Politics, Says Paras
The RLJP chief accused the BJP and JD(U) of sidelining his party in coalition-level decision-making and meetings. “Despite being part of the NDA for over a decade, our party was not mentioned or consulted, which proves the injustice towards a Dalit political outfit,” he said.
Paras has recently been seen in multiple meetings with RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, sparking speculation about a future alliance with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance).
“If Mahagathbandhan gives us proper respect at the right time, we will definitely think of politics in the future,” Paras added, leaving the door open for negotiations with rival camps.
Criticism of Nitish Kumar’s Tenure
In his speech, Pashupati Paras also lashed out at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, blaming him for the deteriorating condition of the state’s education system and overall governance.
“In Nitish Kumar’s 20-year-long rule, the education system has been ruined, no new industries have been set up, and corruption thrives in every welfare scheme,” he declared.
Political Context: RLJP vs Chirag Paswan
The RLJP was formed in 2021, following a split in the Lok Janshakti Party, originally founded by Paras’ brother and late Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan. The split created two factions: RLJP led by Pashupati Paras and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) led by his nephew Chirag Paswan.
In 2024, Chirag’s faction was given five seats by the BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, leading Paras to resign from his cabinet berth. Paras was also asked to vacate his official bungalow, which was then allotted to Chirag.
Reactions and Fallout
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi downplayed the move, stating that Paras’ exit would not significantly affect the NDA in Bihar.
However, political analysts believe this exit could alter caste and Dalit vote equations ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls. RLJP’s next move — especially regarding an alliance with Mahagathbandhan — could hold the key.
RLJP Resets Course Under Pashupati Paras
Pashupati Paras’ decision to pull out of the NDA marks a major reshuffle in Bihar’s coalition politics. As RLJP seeks new ground and possibly a tie-up with opposition forces, the coming weeks will determine how the political chessboard in Bihar is redrawn.
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