Union Minister Chirag Paswan attended the Conclave, Manthan 2025, on Thrusday. In an exclusive interview he discussed several topics.
Assembly elections will take place in Bihar after Delhi’s election, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is working on a strategy to form their government again. In the Delhi elections, the NDA allocated the Deoli seat to LJP (R), but the candidate has yet to be announced.
In an exclusive interview on News24’s Manthan 2025 program, Chirag Paswan spoke about multiple topics, including the political landscape, the upcoming elections, and the new Chief Minister of Bihar.
On the topic of his friendship with Prashant Kishor, Chirag said they are old friends. While Kishor did not succeed in the by-elections, it remains to be seen how he performs in the upcoming elections. When asked if Paswan is the new CM of Bihar, he replied, “It’s too early to comment.”
Regarding why the BJP failed to reach its 400-seat target, he explained, “Because the opposition set a wrong narrative and succeeded. The wrong narratives were related to the constitution and quotas. Due to their wrong narrative, we lost in Uttar Pradesh; however, we managed to save Bihar.”
Responding to a question about surpassing his father, Ram Vilas Paswan, Chirag said, “Entering politics is possible, but it is one’s ability to connect with the people that ultimately matters.”
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s stance on the caste-based census and over 50% reservations, Chirag stated that there is a difference between saying something and implementing it. He pointed out that the LJP has long advocated for reservations for poor upper-caste individuals, a position they included in their manifesto.
Chirag was also asked about his stance on claims regarding temples under mosques and archaeological excavations. He clarified that such issues are not his priority, as they concern people’s religious beliefs, which should not be questioned. He believes that debates over faith should be avoided.
When questioned about being labeled as “Modi’s Hanuman” and a “former film star,” Chirag said that while he had briefly entered films, he prefers to be known simply as Chirag Paswan. Regarding not attending the traditional “Dahi Chuda” event with Nitish Kumar, he explained that the Bihar CM had arrived late due to prior commitments.
Lastly, Chirag discussed his changed stance toward Nitish Kumar. He acknowledged Nitish’s experience and age, stating that despite past disagreements, he respects the Bihar CM. He emphasized that if he had issues with the NDA, he would have left the alliance.
Also Read: Manthan 2025: Chirag Paswan Speaks At News24 Platform
