April 14, 2025, will probably go down as a turning point in Bihar’s politics. On this day, Pashupati Kumar Paras, leader of the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), officially pulled his party out of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This wasn’t just another political press briefing it hit like a tremor. With the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections right around the corner, Paras’s announcement has suddenly shaken the ground beneath the NDA’s feet.
Paras didn’t hold back. He accused the BJP and JD(U) of sidelining his party and disrespecting their contribution. You could feel the anger in his voice. But now the big question is how will this bold move affect Bihar’s 243 assembly constituencies, and what does it mean for the NDA, which is already juggling complex caste dynamics?
Why RLJP’s Exit Is a Big Deal
At first glance, the RLJP may seem like a minor player. But in a state like Bihar, where caste equations dominate every election, even a small outfit can swing results. The RLJP was born in 2021 after a family rift in the Lok Janshakti Party, and it has managed to gain influence among Dalit voters, especially the Paswan community.
Paras claims that despite this, the NDA treated his party like an outsider. He was especially upset about the “five Pandavas” comment during the Lok Sabha seat-sharing talks, which clearly excluded RLJP. In the 2024 general elections, his party didn’t even get a single seat to contest. That wound clearly hasn’t healed.
Now, with the RLJP planning to contest all 243 assembly seats, the fear is that this move might lead to vote division particularly among Dalits and seriously hurt the NDA’s chances.
Caste Politics at the Centre of It All
If you’ve followed Bihar politics even a little, you’ll know how central caste is to the game. The RLJP’s voter base is largely Dalit, especially the Paswans, who have traditionally supported Ram Vilas Paswan’s legacy. Pashupati Paras has cleverly invoked that legacy, even demanding a Bharat Ratna for his late brother. That’s not just sentiment—it’s strategy.
And let’s not ignore the date Paras chose to make the announcement—Ambedkar Jayanti. It was clearly aimed at stirring emotions linked to BR Ambedkar’s ideology and tapping into simmering anger over issues like reservation and rising crimes against Dalits. He even referred to the tragic death of a young Dalit girl during Holi in Aurangabad, blaming the state’s inaction.
All this has given the Mahagathbandhan (RJD, Congress, and Left) a fresh opening. With Paras feeling insulted and unwanted in the NDA, the opposition will surely try to woo him with respect—and perhaps, a few seats.
RLJP’s Future: Lone Warrior or Kingmaker?
Paras has made it clear—his party is ready to go solo in the elections. But can the RLJP really contest all 243 seats on its own? Political analysts are doubtful. The party lacks the organisation and the on-ground workers to pull it off independently.
A smarter move might be to tie up with the Mahagathbandhan. Paras has already left the door open, saying he’s willing to talk if given “proper respect.” Leaders like Tejashwi Yadav would be more than happy to include a Dalit face in their alliance. It would help soften the RJD’s image of being Yadav-dominated.
However, there’s a twist in the tale—Paras’s nephew, Chirag Paswan, leads the NDA-friendly Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). The two haven’t been on good terms. So, if RLJP joins the Mahagathbandhan, it sets the stage for a political family drama that might just grab more headlines than the actual campaigns.
NDA’s Balancing Act
For the NDA, this is more than just an exit—it’s a warning. While Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and BJP still hold a strong base among upper castes, OBCs, and Kurmis, the RLJP’s departure weakens their Dalit appeal. Even Jitan Ram Manjhi, another Dalit leader from NDA ally HAM, may not be enough to fill that gap.
The real danger is in perception. If the NDA starts getting tagged as anti-Dalit, it could hurt them in dozens of key seats. Already, social media is abuzz with hashtags like #DalitBetrayal and #RLJP. The BJP and JD(U) need a damage control strategy—maybe new welfare schemes or symbolic outreach—before this narrative sticks.
History Repeats?
This isn’t the first time Bihar’s coalition politics has faced such a jolt. Back in 2020, Chirag Paswan’s LJP had contested independently, targeting JD(U) and splitting the NDA vote. It cost Nitish Kumar dearly, reducing his party’s seat count.
Paras’s move now seems like déjà vu—but with bigger consequences. If RLJP manages to eat into NDA’s Dalit votes and tilts even 4–5% in some constituencies, it could spell real trouble.
Ground Sentiment: What the People Say
Bihar’s voters aren’t fools. They know what’s going on. Some are praising Paras for standing up against “arrogant allies,” while others feel his solo mission is a political gamble. On X (formerly Twitter), the reactions are all over the place. Young voters in cities are more focused on employment and education. Rural Dalits, though, are watching Paras closely. If he aligns with the Mahagathbandhan, it might just shift their loyalty.
Why This Has National Impact
This isn’t just about Bihar. The RLJP’s exit exposes the fragile nature of political alliances across India. In a post-2024 Lok Sabha environment, where the BJP needs strong allies in every region, what’s happening in Bihar could have ripple effects in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and beyond.
Also, the renewed focus on Dalit identity, reservation, and social justice will echo in other states, especially those heading into elections soon.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Paras’s decision could go either way. It might prove to be a bold masterstroke that reshapes Bihar’s politics, or it could end up as a miscalculation. But one thing is for sure—this election just got a whole lot more interesting.
The NDA needs to act fast. The Mahagathbandhan sees an opening. And the RLJP? They’ve rolled the dice. The rest, as always in Indian politics, will be decided by the people.
Keep the learning going with this one: RLJP Announces Exit from NDA Alliance in Bihar
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