Even though the LJP did not score much in the Bihar election, they did make a dent for the JD(U) in more than 30 seats. Talking to The Daily Guardian about the LJP’s impact in the Bihar election, party chief Chirag Paswan said that he will continue supporting PM Modi at the Centre. Excerpts:
Q: What is your reaction to the results of the Bihar election?
A: Like all parties, I too would have liked to win as many seats as possible, but my aim for these elections was to ensure that the BJP emerges as a strong party in the state and we are happy with the impact we have had.
Q: What do you want to say about your party’s flop turn?
A: What is the definition of defeat? The party has increased its vote share. My decision to contest the polls solo will also help the LJP in the 2025 assembly elections. I noted that the party had already laid the groundwork and performed well on a majority of seats. I had only 10 days to prepare after my father’s death. And I am happy that Bihar gave love to the LJP and around 25 lakh voters trusted ‘Bihar First, Bihari First’. We secured 6% votes even while contesting alone. We were called a ‘pichhlaggu’ (hanger on) party that can do something only with other’s support. But we showed courage.
Q: Will you support the PM in such a situation and with what he plans to do ahead?
A: It’s not that I sat across the table from Amit Shah and was breaking the news to him. I met him once and told him it won’t be possible for him to incorporate me in seat sharing, but asked whether it would be possible for him to include my agenda of ‘Bihar First, Bihari First’ in the NDA agenda. I said, “If not, allow me to put up my candidates against the JDU.” We will continue supporting PM Modi at the Centre.
Q: Is the RJD taking advantage of the JDU-LJP clash?
A: RJD as a party has lost its credibility and there are question marks about its politics. The people of Bihar have conveyed to them their importance in the state’s politics.
Q: Why have you lost faith in CM Nitish Kumar?
A: If he goes on to become the Chief Minister of my state, he will not have my support at the state level. We will continue supporting PM Modi at the Centre.