RLJP Quits NDA: Paras Slams BJP, JD(U), Hints at Mahagathbandhan Alliance

Patna: In a major political move, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief Pashupati Kumar Paras announced his party’s exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, citing ongoing neglect and a lack of respect from key alliance partners.

Addressing a press conference in Patna on Monday, Paras expressed deep disappointment over how his party had been treated despite its loyalty to the NDA since 2014. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] of sidelining the RLJP, especially in the context of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. “Despite our loyalty, we have been treated unfairly. Being a Dalit-oriented party, we were denied the recognition we deserved,” Paras said.

The RLJP leader was particularly critical of the BJP and JD(U) leadership, who frequently referred to themselves as the “five Pandavas” in Bihar politics during NDA meetings, leaving his party out of the narrative. According to Paras, this exclusion underscored the disrespect his party faced. “In every NDA meeting, the BJP and JD(U) state presidents spoke of the five Pandavas, but never mentioned RLJP. This was humiliating,” he added.

With a new political direction in mind, the RLJP has launched a statewide membership drive and announced plans to contest all 243 seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Although the Election Commission has not officially declared the dates, the elections are expected to take place between October and November this year.

While the RLJP will initially go solo in the elections, Paras kept the possibility open for future alliances, particularly with the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), which includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties. “We are preparing to contest on our own, but if we are given the respect we deserve at the right time, we are open to discussions with the Mahagathbandhan,” Paras added.

The RLJP’s exit from the NDA could significantly alter the political dynamics of Bihar, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle between the NDA—led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and the BJP—and the opposition Mahagathbandhan.