Can Chirag Paswan Become the Next Chief Minister of Bihar? A New Age Leader with Rising Influence

Poonam Sharma 

As Bihar moves steadily toward the 2025 Assembly elections, the spotlight is increasingly turning toward a young, energetic, and ambitious political figure—Chirag Paswan. Once dismissed as a legacy politician riding on the coattails of his father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, Chirag has now emerged as a serious contender in the race for Bihar’s top post.

With a sharp political instinct, public outreach, and calculated defiance of traditional alliances, Chirag is setting himself up not just as a kingmaker—but potentially the king himself.

A Political Heir with a Modern Identity

Chirag Paswan, the president of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), carries the legacy of one of India’s most seasoned Dalit leaders. However, he has used that legacy not as a crutch, but as a launchpad. Educated, media-savvy, and fluent in both Hindi and English, Chirag presents a modern political persona. He champions development-centric politics through his “Bihar First, Bihari First” campaign, targeting Bihar’s vast and youthful population, which craves progress over populism.

In a state where caste dynamics dominate political calculations, Chirag’s pan-Bihari approach attempts to transcend traditional vote banks and appeal to a broader, aspiration-driven electorate.

Mastering the Art of Indian Party Politics

One of Chirag’s most notable assets is his strategic understanding of Indian coalition politics. In the 2020 elections, his decision to go solo and contest against JD(U) candidates—while remaining soft on BJP—resulted in JD(U)’s worst performance in years. This showcased his ability to disrupt established equations.

In recent months, Chirag has adopted a sharp and defiant stance against both the NDA and JD(U), painting himself as an independent and decisive political force. His fiery speeches and critiques of Nitish Kumar’s governance have only grown louder. Chirag has hinted that if given a mandate, he is ready to play a decisive role in governing Bihar—an open declaration of his chief ministerial ambitions.

NDA and JD(U) on the Edge?

This assertiveness has started ringing alarm bells within the NDA camp. Both the BJP and JD(U) understand that Chirag’s defiance could lead to vote splitting, especially among Dalits and younger voters who are disillusioned with the existing leadership.

What’s even more unsettling for the NDA is the possibility that Chirag could align with a third front or even the UPA, thereby completely altering the electoral arithmetic of Bihar. In a state where fragmented mandates are the norm, even a moderate swing in seats can decide who holds power.

If Chirag aligns with anti-NDA forces and brings in a significant vote share, Nitish Kumar’s grip on Bihar’s throne could be severely challenged, and the BJP might struggle to stitch a majority.

The Road to the Top: Challenges and Strategies

Despite his rising profile, Chirag Paswan faces formidable hurdles. Bihar’s political battlefield remains deeply rooted in caste dynamics and long-established party loyalties. To seriously contend for the CM position, Chirag must:

• Broaden his electoral base beyond Dalits to include OBCs, upper castes, and even minorities.
• Build organizational strength at the grassroots to contest more seats effectively.
• Forge the right alliances, whether with UPA constituents or regional players dissatisfied with the current NDA-JDU setup.
• Showcase a credible governance vision, particularly on unemployment, corruption, and development.

Nevertheless, his energy, charisma, and clean image compared to many of his rivals make him an attractive option for a new generation of Bihari voters.

A Youth-Centric Vision

One of Chirag’s biggest advantages is the youth factor. With over 65% of Bihar’s population under 35, there is growing frustration with old-guard leaders like Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav. Chirag’s tech-savviness, vision-driven rhetoric, and relatable persona strike a chord with this demographic.

He doesn’t shy away from engaging on social media or confronting national issues that resonate with young Indians. His campaign isn’t about caste identity; it’s about modern governance, infrastructure, jobs, and dignity—elements largely missing in Bihar’s political narrative so far.

A CM in the Making?

Whether or not Chirag Paswan clinches the Chief Minister’s post in 2025, it is undeniable that he has already transformed himself into a key player in Bihar’s political future. His sharp break from NDA and JD(U), combined with his openness to forming new coalitions, marks him as a wild card with serious potential.

If he continues building momentum and forges the right political partnerships, Chirag could soon move from political disruptor to Bihar’s youngest-ever Chief Minister. As Bihar stands at a crossroads, Chirag Paswan could well be the face of its next political revolution.