Patna: Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief Pashupati Kumar Paras on Monday announced his departure from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), marking a significant political shift ahead of the Bihar assembly elections.
Speaking at a party-organised Sankalp Sammelan to mark the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar in Patna’s Bapu Sabhagar, Paras said, “From today, I have no relation with NDA.” The former Union minister added that his party would now embark on a state-wide campaign—Chalo Gaon, Bihar Ki Or—to galvanise public support for a change in government.
While Paras did not confirm whether RLJP would join the opposition bloc, he reiterated the party’s preparedness to contest all 243 seats in the upcoming elections, a claim he had earlier made in February. “Our organisation is strong. We have the capability to field candidates across the state,” he said.
Paras also took aim at recent legislative developments and government policies. He criticised the proposed Waqf Bill, calling it an injustice to the Muslim community and said RLJP would oppose it. On Bihar’s prohibition law, he said the party did not oppose the liquor ban in principle, but condemned the jailing of poor individuals under the policy. He demanded the release of underprivileged prisoners and called for lifting the ban on toddy.
The event also saw cultural performances and the induction of singer Alok Paswan into the RLJP. Senior party leaders including former MP Prince Paswan and parliamentary board chairman Suraj Bhan Singh were also present.
