Bihar Assembly Election 2025: Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan set off a fresh row on the campaign trail, accusing the Rashtriya Janata Dal of “talking about Muslims but denying them a real share in power.” The remarks, delivered at a rally during the ongoing election drive, revived long-running arguments over how minority communities are represented in state leadership.
Criticism of Alliance Politics and Leadership Ambitions
The leader alleged that parties invoking protection of Muslim interests “use fear and emotion to hold a vote bank,” but stop short of handing over meaningful posts. He pointed to previous RJD governments and asked why the party had never elevated a Muslim leader to the Chief Minister’s chair. “If they were truly equals,” he said, “why didn’t they make one a Chief Minister, especially when it was proposed back in 2005?”
Turning to alliance politics, he took aim at the Mahagathbandhan, claiming its partners put personal deals ahead of public interest. Without naming every figure, he referenced leaders who, after securing positions like Deputy Chief Minister, “forget the very people they claim to represent.” In his telling, the opposition is “busy with ego and importance,” and late to the field while other campaigns are already in full swing.
Muslims Must See Beyond Promises, Says Leader
The speech also doubled as a pitch to Muslim voters. He urged the community to “look past emotional appeals” and judge parties by delivery, not slogans. “For some, Muslims are just a vote bank,” he said. “We have rolled out development schemes for every citizen, across caste, religion, or community.” According to him, those policies are designed to be inclusive rather than exclusive.
Political observers see two currents beneath the rhetoric. First, frustration among minority voters who feel heavily courted during polls but are sidelined between elections. Second, a tactical effort by rivals to press the RJD on its leadership record, especially visible, symbolic roles, rather than its broader coalition math. Whether the charge reshapes voting behavior is unclear, but it forces the opposition to defend not just promises, but personnel choices.
