In a dramatic political development just months before the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief Pashupati Kumar Paras has officially parted ways with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). At a press conference held in Patna on Monday, April 14, 2025, Paras expressed deep disappointment over what he termed as the continued marginalisation and disrespect shown towards his party by major NDA constituents, specifically the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)].

RLJP’s Growing Frustration Within NDA

Paras, who split from the Lok Janshakti Party originally founded by his brother Ram Vilas Paswan, detailed the reasons for the RLJP’s exit. Despite being part of the NDA since 2014, he claimed the RLJP was ignored during seat-sharing negotiations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. “Our party has always supported the NDA, but we have been treated like outsiders,” he stated.

In his fiery speech, Paras cited the "five Pandavas" analogy used in NDA meetings to describe BJP, JD(U), and other allies—but never RLJP. “This analogy was repeated in meeting after meeting, but RLJP was not even mentioned. This kind of political erasure is unacceptable, especially for a party that has worked tirelessly for Dalit representation and upliftment,” Paras remarked.

Plan to Contest All 243 Bihar Assembly Seats

Following its split from the NDA, the RLJP has announced its intent to contest all 243 Assembly seats in Bihar. This move signals RLJP’s aggressive electoral strategy ahead of the polls, expected to be held in October–November 2025. The Election Commission of India has not yet announced the official election schedule, but preparations across parties are already in full swing.

To build its presence and support base across the state, the RLJP has also launched a membership campaign, aiming to energize its cadre at the grassroots level. "We will show our strength. Our candidates will be present on every seat," Paras declared.

Door Open for Mahagathbandhan Alliance

While RLJP’s current stance is to go solo, Paras did not rule out the possibility of a future alliance, particularly with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance)—which comprises the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties. “We are preparing to contest alone, but we are also political realists. If we are given due respect and recognition, we are ready for dialogue with the opposition bloc,” he said.

This conditional openness hints at strategic flexibility on RLJP’s part, potentially giving it leverage in post-election coalition scenarios, especially if the elections result in a fractured mandate.

Impact on Bihar’s Political Dynamics

The exit of RLJP from the NDA could significantly alter the electoral landscape of Bihar. While RLJP is not as dominant as the BJP or JD(U), it does hold influence in specific regions, especially among Dalit voters, a community that is considered pivotal in Bihar's caste-sensitive politics.

The JD(U)-BJP alliance, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has now lost a long-standing ally just as it braces for a high-stakes battle with the Mahagathbandhan. Political analysts suggest that the fragmentation of votes due to RLJP’s independent contest could affect NDA’s performance, especially in constituencies where margins are typically narrow.

Moreover, the timing of the exit, during an ongoing Lok Sabha election cycle, could also create ripples in public sentiment. While RLJP does not hold major national seats, its symbolic separation from the BJP-led coalition highlights underlying tensions and discontent within the NDA’s rank and file.

RJD and Opposition’s Response

So far, leaders from the Mahagathbandhan have not officially commented on RLJP’s exit. However, sources indicate that backchannel talks may already be underway. If RLJP joins the opposition alliance, it could lead to a stronger anti-NDA front in Bihar, one that could present a unified alternative to Nitish Kumar’s administration.

Political Future of Pashupati Kumar Paras

Paras, who became Union Minister after breaking away from Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party in 2021, has often positioned himself as a voice for Dalits and grassroots workers. His future political trajectory will depend on how well RLJP performs in the 2025 elections, and whether his calculated gamble of breaking away from the NDA pays off.

His breakaway faction, though criticized for splitting the legacy of Ram Vilas Paswan, now has an opportunity to forge its own identity and expand its voter base beyond traditional strongholds.

Electoral Implications for NDA and Mahagathbandhan

The RLJP’s move adds another layer of complexity to an already highly polarized political contest in Bihar. For the NDA, Paras' departure means potential vote erosion, especially in Dalit-dominated regions. For the Mahagathbandhan, it's an opportunity to consolidate anti-NDA forces, especially if a formal alliance with RLJP materializes.

With the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections shaping up to be intensely competitive, every party—big or small—has become crucial in the game of alliances and arithmetic.

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