Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Monday reaffirmed his strong allegiance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), saying he “loves PM Modi a bit too much” to ever consider leaving the alliance.

In an interaction with media, Paswan dismissed speculation about any post-poll alliance after the Bihar assembly elections, asserting that his commitment to the NDA remains absolute. “As long as my Prime Minister is there, I am absolutely not going anywhere. My dedication and my love remain,” he said.

He added that although he maintains cordial communication with Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, political realignment is “out of question.”

Reminiscing Ram Vilas Paswan’s political legacy

Reflecting on his father Ram Vilas Paswan’s political journey, Chirag said the former Union Minister’s decisions often proved decisive for whichever alliance he joined. “My father was called a ‘mausam vaigyanik’ because whichever side he chose came to power,” he said, recalling how the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) joined the UPA in 2004 after parting ways with the NDA in 2002.

Describing that move as a “good omen,” Chirag noted that even when most people believed in the BJP’s “India Shining” campaign, it was Ram Vilas Paswan’s alignment with the UPA that coincided with its surprise victory.

“I am not going anywhere”: Chirag on NDA ties

The LJP (RV) leader emphasised that his party has never entered into a post-poll alliance and always stood by its chosen coalition before elections. “No matter how many MLAs we have, whether the government is formed or not, I am right here,” he asserted.

Chirag also backed Nitish Kumar as the NDA’s chief ministerial candidate and reiterated his party’s focus on its “Bihar First, Bihari First” agenda.

Following the 2020 split in the original Lok Janshakti Party, Chirag now leads the LJP (Ram Vilas) faction, which rejoined the NDA before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and won all five seats it contested in Bihar.

As the second phase of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections approaches, the NDA faces a key test in northern Bihar, where several of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ministers are contesting crucial constituencies.

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav’s elder son and Janshakti Janta Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav has alleged that his life is “under threat” amid the ongoing Bihar assembly elections. Tej Pratap, who recently floated his own political outfit after being expelled from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is contesting from the Mahua constituency.

Tej Pratap says security increased amid growing fears

Speaking to reporters in Patna, Tej Pratap said his security cover has been strengthened due to potential threats. “My security has been increased… I am under threat. My enemies may even get me killed. Everyone seems like an enemy,” he claimed, without revealing any specific names.

The former minister’s statement comes months after he was expelled from the RJD on May 25 for six years following a controversy over a social media post in which he allegedly admitted to being in a relationship. The post was later deleted, with Tej Pratap claiming that his account had been “hacked.”

Wishes brother Tejashwi on birthday

Despite the ongoing political rift, Tej Pratap extended his wishes to his younger brother and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on his birthday, saying, “My blessings are always with him. He should continue to grow further.”

Tej Pratap had earlier alleged a “conspiracy” to create a divide between him and Tejashwi, referring to internal party issues and describing those responsible as “Jaichand,” a metaphor for traitors in Indian history.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly countered Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s criticism regarding the upcoming winter session of Parliament, asserting that the opposition should participate in debates instead of obstructing parliamentary proceedings.

Rijiju responds to Congress claims

The winter session of Parliament is scheduled from December 1 to December 19. Reacting to Ramesh’s remarks questioning the shortened duration, Rijiju said in a post on X that Congress leaders appear uninterested in running parliamentary sessions. “As if Congress leaders are interested in running Parliament Session! But I will never get tired of repeatedly appealing to the Congress Party to participate in the Parliament debates and discussions and also not to create obstacles for other sincere MPs. Let Parliament function,” he stated.

Rijiju emphasised that the government is ready for a “constructive and meaningful session” that will strengthen democracy and serve public aspirations.

Congress questions delay and timing

Earlier, Jairam Ramesh alleged that the winter session was “unusually delayed and truncated.” He said that Parliament sessions are typically convened between November 20 and 23 and last until December 24. “This time, the session will begin on December 1 and last only 15 days. I don’t understand what the government is running away from,” he said while speaking to media.

Ramesh also speculated whether the session was being shortened because of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, suggesting that the government has no legislative business or debate agenda.

Congress lists key issues for discussion

The Congress leader listed several issues that the opposition plans to raise during the session, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy, economic slowdown, unemployment, and foreign policy matters. Ramesh criticised the government’s silence on US President Donald Trump’s remarks about mediation in the India-Pakistan conflict and the unresolved situation at the India-China border.

He further linked the high voter turnout in Bihar to public dissatisfaction with the ruling NDA, asserting that the “Mahagathbandhan will form the government” there.

President Droupadi Murmu has already approved the government’s proposal to convene the winter session from December 1 to 19, subject to parliamentary business requirements.