In alliance with Centre, not State; raising concerns is my responsibility: Chirag Paswan

Union Food Processing Minister and LJP (RV) leader Chirag Paswan, in an interaction with ET, spoke about the upcoming Bihar assembly election, the role of his party, and leadership dynamics in the state. Edited Excerpts:

What's different for you and your party in the 2025 assembly elections compared to the previous one?
In 2020, I wasn't part of the alliance because I wasn't given space within it. That was also when my father was unwell. The alliance didn't have faith that I could lead the party as my father did. Gradually, I was sidelined. During seat sharing, I was offered the fewest seats. Now, in 2025, the alliance has reposed faith in me. Our party delivered a 100% result in the Lok Sabha elections despite many ups and downs. Today, I have a seat at the table, contributing ideas and suggestions on government policy. The NDA is stronger than ever, and we are aiming for 225+ seats.

You raise strong questions on Bihar's law and order. Why be so critical of a government you are part of?

As an ally, it's my responsibility to highlight issues. That said, I'm not part of the ruling alliance in the state, unlike at the Centre. I have no role in shaping state policies, so this is my only way to voice concerns. I'm not being rebellious-these are genuine issues. I believe in the CM who once pulled Bihar out of the jungle raj, and I still believe only he can do it again.

You talk about 'Bihar First, Bihari First'. Do you have a roadmap?
Bihar has progressed, and I credit CM Nitish Kumar for that. But much more remains to be done. I've worked day and night on the 'Bihar First, Bihari First' roadmap. It includes solutions to core problems-like interlinking rivers, setting up education hubs, and promoting agriculture-based industries.

You mentioned agro-based industries. As Union Food Processing Minister, what's your contribution to Bihar and the country?
I'm happy that the third NIFTEM institute in the country is coming to Hajipur, Bihar, announced in the last Union Budget. It will benefit food processing immensely. Young people are showing interest in this sector. Our ministry also supports micro-enterprises through a handholding scheme-Bihar has performed exceptionally well in this.

We've also minimized post-harvest losses. The Cabinet recently approved ₹500 crore for 50 new irradiation units across the country. This will significantly improve farmers' ability to preserve perishable food.

The opposition is attacking the EC over SIR in Bihar. Was it done in haste?
I don't believe so. At some point, the process had to begin. If it hadn't, people would have questioned why it wasn't done before elections in West Bengal or Assam. SIR is under the jurisdiction of a constitutional body-the Election Commission. If the opposition wants a debate, who will respond? The EC or a ministry? Rahul Gandhi says they lost Maharashtra due to irregularities in the voter list but forgets they won Jharkhand under the same EC.

BJP and JDU are the bigger NDA partners. Where does your party fit in?
I will play the role of 'salt' in the alliance-without salt, no dish has taste. Some people try to undermine my 2020 performance when I contested alone. But my party can provide a 10,000-15,000 vote push on every crucial seat.

Have you decided how many seats to contest? Will you contest yourself?
Seat-sharing discussions haven't happened yet, so quoting a number would be unfair. But it will be resolved amicably. As for me-yes, I want to contest, and the party will take a decision after assessing all factors.

You have a good rapport with Prashant Kishor. Any chance of joining forces?
In politics, never say never. But for now, I have no reason to explore alternative alliances.

Do you want to become Bihar CM?
There's no vacancy for CM. NDA is united behind Nitish Kumar for both election and post-election leadership. But everyone should be ambitious-I believe in manifestation. So why not?