The Indian Express Adda with a mix of grit and charm. As Bihar’s 2026 elections loom, Paswan’s carving his own path, declaring, “I’m with the NDA, but I’m not the BJP.” He’s cautiously backing a caste census, pushing a “Bihar First” vision, and proving he’s more than his father’s shadow. Is he Bihar’s next big thing, or is his high-wire act too risky? Grab a seat, and let’s dive into Chirag Paswan’s electrifying rise and what it means for India’s heartland.

Meet Chirag Paswan: The Dalit Dynamo with Big Dreams

Chirag Paswan isn’t your average politician—he’s a comeback king. As the son of Dalit icon Ram Vilas Paswan, he inherited the LJP after his father’s death in 2020, only to face a brutal party split led by his uncle Pashupati Paras. Undeterred, Chirag rebuilt his LJP (Ram Vilas), sweeping all five Lok Sabha seats it contested in Bihar in 2024. Now, as Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, he’s a rising star among Bihar’s 4.7% Paswan voters and beyond.

At the Express Adda, hosted by Anant Goenka and Vandita Mishra, Paswan was candid: “My political future is in Bihar, not Delhi.” Unlike his father, who served under six PMs, Chirag’s laser-focused on his state, aiming to outshine his legacy. On X, @IndianExpresscaptured his vibe: “I want my political future to be in my state.” With his half-Punjabi roots and youth appeal, he’s a fresh face in Bihar’s gritty political arena.

Dancing with the NDA: Loyal but Not Tamed

Paswan’s role in the BJP-led NDA is like a well-choreographed duet—supportive yet distinct. As a key ally in PM Narendra Modi’s coalition, which leans on partners like LJP for stability, he’s got leverage. But he’s not a yes-man. “I can stand up to my government,” he told the Adda, citing his pushback on the Waqf Bill and allies’ hate speeches. “I’m in the alliance, but I’m not the BJP.”

His LJP champions Dalits, minorities, and youth, often diverging from the BJP’s broader Hindu nationalist pitch. Paswan admires Modi’s ability to unite 125 crore Indians but insists on his own voice, especially on minority rights. On X, @IndianExpressquoted him: “I am in the alliance but I am not the BJP.” This balancing act is bold but tricky, especially with tensions simmering between LJP and ally Nitish Kumar’s JD(U). Paswan’s past jabs at Nitish—calling him “jealous” of Modi—hint at friction that could flare in 2026.

The Caste Census Puzzle: Yes, but Not Quite

The caste census, approved in April 2025 for the national census, is a hot potato, and Paswan’s stance is nuanced. He supports it, believing data can fine-tune welfare for marginalized castes, but wants it “internal” to avoid casteist politics. “Caste is a harsh reality, but I don’t support caste politics,” he said at the Adda. On X, @IndianExpressnoted: “Caste figures should be for internal govt use, not for public consumption.”

In Bihar, where Paswans (4.7%) and SCs (16%) wield clout, his caution makes sense. Bihar’s 2023 caste survey already stirred tensions, and Paswan fears public data could fuel division. “He’s threading a needle,” says analyst Dr. Rakesh Sinha of Patna University. “He wants the benefits without the backlash.” But Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, pushing for transparent OBC empowerment, calls this half-measure weak. On X, @BiharPulseasks, “Chirag, why hide caste data if it’s for justice?” His stance could alienate voters banking on the census for change.

Bihar First, Bihari First: A 2026 Game Plan

With Bihar’s 2026 elections on the horizon, Paswan’s “Bihar First, Bihari First” mantra is his rallying cry. He’s pitching Bihar as an education hub, tackling migration, and boosting his ministry’s food processing sector—think World Food India in September 2025. At the Adda, he rejected “doles” like cash handouts, favoring free education and healthcare. “As a taxpayer, I want services, not freebies,” he said.

His focus on youth—Bihar’s restless majority—gives him an edge. “The young reconnected with politics in 2014,” he noted, nodding to Modi’s pull. Paswan’s rallies, packed with young faces across castes, show his cross-caste appeal. But he’s up against giants: Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD, and Bihar’s caste fault lines. “Chirag’s got charisma, but Bihar’s a tough crowd,” says

The High-Stakes Gamble: Independence vs. Alliance

Paswan’s no stranger to bold moves. In 2020, he broke from the NDA in Bihar, targeting Nitish’s JD(U) while sparing the BJP. The bet flopped—LJP won one seat—but he gained 6% votes, expanding his base. His 2024 Lok Sabha sweep proved his staying power. At the Adda, he doubled down: “If I see injustice, I’ll stand up, even against my government.”

This defiance could cost him. The BJP, navigating allies like JD(U) and Jitan Ram Manjhi, needs Paswan’s Dalit votes but may bristle at his freelancing. Seat-sharing talks in Jharkhand, where LJP’s in discussions, hint at alliance strains. On X, @PoliticalBiharwarns, “Chirag’s independence is refreshing but risky.” Yet, his appeal among SCs and youth could make him a 2026 kingmaker—or king.

Voices from Bihar’s Heart      

Bihar’s buzzing with mixed vibes. In Hajipur, Paswan’s stronghold, voter Sunita Devi told me, “Chirag speaks for us Dalits, but he must deliver jobs.” Patna student Rohan Kumar adds, “His youth vibe is cool, but Nitish and Tejashwi are tough nuts.” On X, @BiharYouthcheers, “Chirag’s Bihar First is our future!” But @SkepticBiharquips, “Caste census dodge? Chirag’s playing safe.”Rural voters want results—schools, roads, factories. Urban youth crave jobs and hope. Paswan’s “MY” (Mahila, Yuva) formula—women and youth—aims to bridge both, but time’s tight.

What’s Next for Chirag’s Star Turn?

Paswan’s got a packed slate: campaigning in Hajipur, his father’s bastion; pushing food processing at World Food India; and navigating NDA talks. His 2026 goal? Unite Bihar’s 12 crore people across castes, using his NDA clout without losing his edge. But Nitish’s JD(U) and Tejashwi’s RJD loom large, and the BJP may not love his solo streak.His Adda performance—confident, principled—shows he’s no lightweight. On X, @IndiaRisinghails, “Chirag Paswan’s got the spark Bihar needs.” But @PolicyGurucautions, “His tightrope act could wobble if BJP pulls back.” Can he redefine Bihar politics, or will alliance politics clip his wings?What’s your take? Is Chirag Paswan Bihar’s game-changer, or is he overstretching? Hit the comments and let’s spark a debate