In a poignant convergence of milestones, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan is celebrating his 41st birthday on Tuesday, reflecting on a rollercoaster career in politics and the enduring legacy of his late father, former union minister Ram Vilas Paswan. PatnaPress takes a closer look at Chirag’s journey through the lens of his life in Hindi cinema, his political insights, personal loss, and the dramatic twists and turns in his political career.
A Bollywood Interlude: Long before he stepped into the political arena, Chirag ventured into Hindi cinema in the year 2011, when he shared the silver screen with the talented actress Kangana Ranaut for the movie ‘Miley Na Miley Hum’. His foray into Bollywood provided a brief but intriguing detour, highlighting his versatility beyond politics but he quit films after his first movie to join politics.
Political Acumen: Chirag’s political journey began with advice he offered to his father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. He urged his father to align with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a decision that proved to be a strategic masterstroke. Ram Vilas Paswan joined the NDA and went on to become a Union Minister in the Narendra Modi government.
Parliamentary Debut: In 2014, Chirag himself made his political debut by winning the Jamui parliamentary seat, marking the beginning of his own political career. His election victory was seen as a testament to his growing influence in Bihar politics.
Personal Loss and Political Turmoil: The year 2020 marked a turning point in Chirag’s life. The untimely demise of his father, the iconic Ram Vilas Paswan, was a deeply personal loss. It not only left a void in his life but also had significant repercussions on the political landscape of Bihar.
Dissolution of Ties with NDA: Chirag’s decision to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance ahead of the 2020 Bihar assembly elections owing to differences with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar raised eyebrows and intensified the political drama in the state. This bold move demonstrated his determination to forge an independent path for his party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).
A Political Setback: The 2020 Bihar assembly elections proved to be a political rout for Chirag’s party, with the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) failing to secure a single seat. This setback only fueled speculation about the future of his political career and his party’s relevance in Bihar.
Family Feud: The drama did not end with the elections. Five MPs from the undivided Lok Janshakti Party, led by his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras, defected to the NDA in 2021, further complicating the political landscape in Bihar. The tussle between Chirag and his uncle over the coveted Hajipur parliamentary constituency, represented nine times by his father in the past, added a layer of complexity to the family feud.
A Return to the NDA: In a surprising turn of events, Chirag recently returned to the NDA in July 2023, signaling his intent to mend bridges and re-establish his political presence within the alliance.
As Chirag celebrates his 41st birthday, his journey is one marked by political resilience, personal loss, and the relentless pursuit of a political legacy forged by his late father. The twists and turns in his career continue to capture the attention of political observers, making him a key figure to watch in Bihar’s ever-evolving political landscape.
