Bihar – As Bihar braces for its much-anticipated Assembly elections later this year, a significant political development has stirred the landscape: the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), led by Pashupati Kumar Paras, has officially exited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The declaration confirms growing internal strife within the coalition and signals a shift in Bihar’s electoral dynamics.
Bihar NDA Alliance breaks—these words now echo across political corridors and media channels as analysts assess the implications of RLJP’s move. Paras, a prominent Dalit leader and Union Minister until last year, accused the NDA of sidelining his party for being Dalit-centric, prompting a decisive separation just months before the elections.
RLJP Ends Ties with NDA: The Breaking Point
The Bihar NDA Alliance breaks story has its roots in discontent brewing since 2021. Following the demise of his brother and Lok Janshakti Party founder Ram Vilas Paswan, Pashupati Kumar Paras led a factional split within the LJP. Though he secured a Union Cabinet berth, his alliance with the NDA began deteriorating soon after.
The final trigger came when the NDA chose to favor Chirag Paswan—Paras’ estranged nephew and head of the rival LJP (Ram Vilas) faction—over him in key decisions. Paras’ RLJP felt excluded during critical seat negotiations and party meetings, often dismissed without acknowledgement.
“Whenever an NDA meeting was held in Bihar, BJP and JD(U) leaders spoke of the five Pandavas, but never mentioned our party,” Paras said. With that symbolic omission, the message was clear—and the Bihar NDA Alliance breaks narrative gained momentum.
Dalit Representation Ignored: Paras’ Central Allegation
For Paras, the issue wasn’t just political but deeply social. He openly alleged that the NDA neglected his party due to its Dalit base. Despite consistent loyalty since 2014, RLJP was rarely consulted or prioritized.
He said, “The people of NDA did injustice to us just because we are a Dalit party.” As the Bihar NDA Alliance breaks, Paras’s criticism of caste-based sidelining highlights ongoing social inequalities within Indian political alliances.
Paras emphasized that even during the last Lok Sabha elections, his party supported the NDA out of national interest. Yet, it received no rewards. This continuous disregard became the bedrock for his exit.
RLJP to Contest All 243 Seats Independently
Now that Bihar NDA Alliance breaks officially, Paras has declared that the RLJP will contest all 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly on its own. The party has already begun a state-wide membership drive to expand its organizational strength.
RLJP’s independent contesting strategy marks a bold attempt to assert relevance in a crowded political battlefield. Paras hopes to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments and growing dissatisfaction among Dalit voters.
He has also expressed willingness to join the Mahagathbandhan—if treated with dignity and given a prominent role. “If they give our party respect and a rightful position, we will consider joining hands,” he stated, keeping options open.
Why the Bihar NDA Alliance Breaks Now: Inside the Fallout?
The phrase Bihar NDA Alliance breaks encapsulates more than just RLJP’s exit. It reflects a deeper chasm in the alliance’s power dynamics. Several factors culminated in this fallout:
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Nephew vs. Uncle Feud: The elevation of Chirag Paswan as NDA’s face among Dalit voters sidelined Paras, igniting intra-family political rivalry.
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Bypoll Betrayal: In the 2024 Assembly bypolls, RLJP’s candidate was ignored, and the BJP gave the ticket to the rival faction’s nominee.
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Eviction and Humiliation: Paras was forced to vacate his government bungalow in Patna, which was then allotted to Chirag. This public slight added salt to the wound.
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Union Cabinet Resignation: In protest, Paras resigned from the Union cabinet last year, indicating that the Bihar NDA Alliance breaks storyline was inevitable.
These instances collectively broke the trust, forcing RLJP to re-evaluate its association with NDA.
Political Realignments: Talks with RJD Fuel Speculation
As the Bihar NDA Alliance breaks, new alliances are being explored. RLJP’s frequent meetings with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav have fueled speculation of a realignment. Though no formal alliance has been announced, insiders believe that negotiations are underway.
If RLJP joins Mahagathbandhan, it would significantly boost the opposition’s strength, especially in Dalit-dominated constituencies. The move would be strategic for both sides: RLJP gains respect and representation, while RJD enhances its voter base.
Political observers now consider this potential alliance a serious threat to the NDA’s grip over Bihar.
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NDA’s Reaction: Downplaying the Breakup
Despite the gravity of the situation, NDA leaders have downplayed the split. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, himself a Dalit leader, remarked that Paras’ departure won’t hurt the coalition. “The writing has been on the wall. It’s no surprise,” he stated.
Yet, the Bihar NDA Alliance breaks saga does raise concerns within the NDA, especially over its ability to retain the Dalit vote bank. With Paras gone, and JD(U) under scrutiny for being “anti-Dalit,” NDA may face challenges in retaining traditional allies.
Paras vs Nitish Kumar: More Than Political Rivalry
Paras’ exit also stems from his uneasy relationship with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Once a cabinet colleague, Paras now accuses Kumar of harboring anti-Dalit sentiments. He said that during his tour of 22 districts, he encountered widespread anger toward the JD(U) government.
“People want a new government in Bihar,” Paras asserted. These statements are expected to fuel opposition campaigns, as the Bihar NDA Alliance breaks provide a rallying cry for change.
Nitish Kumar, known for shifting political loyalties, has yet to comment on RLJP’s departure. But political analysts believe that this break may limit JD(U)’s room to maneuver in upcoming seat-sharing negotiations.
Mahagathbandhan’s Position: Ready to Welcome RLJP?
With Bihar NDA Alliance breaks dominating headlines, Mahagathbandhan leaders have adopted a watchful approach. Congress and RJD have not issued official statements on RLJP’s entry, but sources suggest the alliance is open to talks.
If RLJP joins hands with the Grand Alliance, it will be a strategic win for the opposition. RLJP’s voter base among Dalits and its grassroots network could complement RJD’s hold over backward classes and minorities.
Given Paras’ firm stand on respect and representation, any potential coalition would require clear terms. Mahagathbandhan, already grappling with internal contradictions, must tread carefully.
Voter Sentiment: How Will Dalit Voters React?
The RLJP’s departure from NDA is expected to sway Dalit voters, particularly in regions like Hajipur, Samastipur, and Vaishali, where the party has strong support. With the Bihar NDA Alliance breaks, Dalit voters might feel betrayed by the ruling coalition.
RLJP aims to position itself as the true voice of Dalits, differentiating from BJP’s broader Hindutva appeal and JD(U)’s inconsistent record on caste equity. If this message resonates, the RLJP could dent NDA’s vote share significantly.
Early surveys suggest rising dissatisfaction among marginalized communities—something the RLJP hopes to tap into.
Electoral Strategy: RLJP’s Road Ahead
With the Bihar NDA Alliance breaks, RLJP now faces the daunting task of contesting alone. The party is focusing on:
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Expanding Grassroots Cadres: Local leaders are being mobilized for a door-to-door membership drive.
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Constituency Mapping: Identifying strongholds and vote potential in each of the 243 Assembly constituencies.
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Dalit Unity Rallies: Paras plans to conduct state-wide rallies to consolidate Dalit votes and promote RLJP as their sole political platform.
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Youth Engagement: RLJP aims to attract young voters disillusioned with traditional parties.
RLJP is betting big on its Dalit-centric narrative. Whether it translates into electoral success depends on campaign execution and alliance formation.
What This Means for BJP: Rebuilding Without RLJP
As the Bihar NDA Alliance breaks, BJP faces critical challenges. Losing a Dalit ally weakens its social coalition strategy in Bihar. The party must now rely more heavily on JD(U), which itself has seen a fluctuating vote share.
BJP leaders are expected to recalibrate their outreach programs. While they will likely project Chirag Paswan as the Dalit face of NDA, the strategy may not resonate given the emotional attachment many voters had with Ram Vilas Paswan’s legacy through Paras.
BJP will also have to battle the perception that it marginalizes smaller allies—a narrative that Paras has successfully fueled.
Can RLJP Swing the Elections? Key Constituencies to Watch
Now that Bihar NDA Alliance breaks, several constituencies become high-stakes battlegrounds. These include:
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Hajipur: A Paswan family stronghold, where Paras and Chirag will likely face off.
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Samastipur: A Dalit-majority seat that RLJP has nurtured for years.
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Vaishali and Khagaria: Bellwether seats that could indicate overall voter sentiment.
If RLJP performs well in these regions, it could emerge as a kingmaker in a hung Assembly scenario.
Conclusion: Bihar NDA Alliance Breaks Before 2025 Polls
The phrase Bihar NDA Alliance breaks is more than a headline—it is a political earthquake. Pashupati Kumar Paras’ decision to exit the BJP-led coalition reflects deeper issues of caste, respect, and political agency. As Bihar heads into elections, the move reshapes alliances and redrafts electoral strategies.
Whether RLJP emerges as a formidable standalone force or realigns with Mahagathbandhan, its exit marks a turning point. The NDA must now rethink its strategy, and opposition forces have a new window of opportunity.
With Dalit politics taking center stage, and new equations forming, Bihar’s 2025 elections promise to be one of the most unpredictable and dynamic in recent history.
