Chirag Paswan’s big claim day after returning to NDA amid row with uncle
NEW DELHI,JULY 18: Chirag Paswan, the chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) who joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) asserted that his party would contest the Hajipur Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar amid a row with his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras, who is also vying for the seat.
In an exclusive interview with India Today after joining the NDA alliance, Chirag Paswan said, “I can say it with confidence that LJP (Ram Vilas) will contest the Hajipur Lok Sabha seat.”
The Hajipur seat is significant as Chirag Paswan’s father Ram Vilas Paswan was an MP from this constituency from 2014 and 2019. He was also a Cabinet Minister in the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, holding the portfolio of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution until his death in 2020.
Subsequently, Pashupati Kumar Paras became the Hajipur MP in 2019. He was inducted into the Union Cabinet after he split from the late Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP, shortly after his demise.
Union Minister Pashupati Paras asserts he won’t give up Hajipur seat for nephew
Chirag Paswan also said that there had been no deal on ministries with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Responding to union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras’s allegations against him over the Hajipur seat, Chirag Paswan, who is an MP from Jamui, said he did not feel bad about what his uncle said and said he had the utmost respect for him.
“He is elder to me. He is my uncle and has every right to criticise. I would not respond to him in such a tone. I was not taught about this in my upbringing,” he said.
‘MINISTERIAL POST NOT MY PRIORITY’
Dismissing speculations about being inducted into the Union Cabinet, Chirag Paswan said holding a ministerial post was not a priority for him and it was a big responsibility.
“I saw my father becoming the Cabinet Minister. It is a big responsibility. For me, holding a ministerial post is not my priority. I am happy that the BJP had given this honour to my father,” he said.
Asked how many seats his party would contest in next year’s Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, the junior Paswan said it would be announced in due course.
-PTI
