Chirag Paswan Eyes Bihar Political Comeback by 2030: Ambitions, Strategy and Vision for State Leadership
Chirag Paswan Eyes Bihar Political Comeback by 2030: Ambitions, Strategy and Vision for State Leadership
Patna, November 15, 2025 — Union Minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has laid out a clear long-term ambition: by 2030, he plans to transition from national politics back to Bihar, contest assembly elections, and emerge as a key player in state governance. While he has publicly ruled out a bid for chief minister in the 2025 Bihar polls, his political roadmap signals a calculated shift toward deeper engagement in the state’s political future.
Why 2030? A Strategic Deadline
Paswan’s choice of 2030 as a target year is not accidental. In recent remarks, he stated that while he currently fulfills his responsibilities at the Centre, he expects to be free of these commitments by 2030, enabling him to focus fully on Bihar. According to him, this upcoming half decade will be pivotal — a time to build grassroots strength, strengthen his party organization, and lay the groundwork for a future role in the Bihar Legislative Assembly.
He has openly committed to contesting for an MLA seat by then. “By 2030, you’ll see me as a Vidhayak in the Bihar Vidhan Sabha,” he said, underscoring his long-term commitment to state-level leadership. This ambition marks a distinct departure from his father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, who largely focused on national politics and avoided deepening his engagement in Bihar’s legislative arena.
No CM Ambition (Yet) — For 2025 at Least
Despite his long-term plan, Paswan has firmly dismissed speculation about seeking the Chief Minister’s seat in 2025. He has emphasized that alliance dynamics will decide the CM face, and for now, the NDA is united behind Nitish Kumar as its leader in the state.
In his typically metaphorical style, he declared, “Someone might say I cannot cook dal on my own, but I can certainly act as the ‘namak’,” suggesting a supportive rather than dominant role in the immediate election. He reiterated that his priority for now is to strengthen the NDA alliance rather than fight for the top post.
A Projection from Within His Party
Chirag’s long-term ambition has also received encouragement from within his own ranks. The LJP (Ram Vilas) and its youth wing have reportedly passed resolutions projecting him as a potential future Chief Minister, signaling internal backing for his future shift. For many in his party, the next decade is seen as the moment to elevate his political stature and reposition LJP (RV) as a powerful state-level force.
Ideology and Vision: “Bihar First, Bihari First”
Paswan’s political message is anchored in the slogan “Bihar First, Bihari First” — a philosophy he says motivates his decision to return to state politics. At public events, he has affirmed that his return to Bihar is not driven by personal ambition, but by a sincere desire to serve his home state.
He often contrasts his own goals with his father’s path, noting that while Ram Vilas Paswan remained primarily focused on the national stage, he himself intends to build a legacy rooted in Bihar’s development, governance, and social progress. In Paswan’s view, his future role will involve translating his national political experience into impactful state leadership.
Alliance Stakes and Power Equations
Paswan’s ambition is more than symbolic — it has implications for the NDA’s internal dynamics in Bihar. As LJP (RV) stakes claim for quality seats and influence, he has outlined expectations of recognition for his party’s performance. In past interviews, he has indicated that if the NDA delivers a strong mandate, LJP (RV) would certainly demand a major role, potentially even a Deputy Chief Minister slot. Although he has personally declined the offer for now, he suggests that his party deserves “respect in the alliance” for its electoral contribution.
At the same time, his critics argue that positioning himself for 2030 could create tensions with NDA partners who may view his aspirations as a long-term threat. How he navigates these internal and external expectations will be vital for his political journey.
A Leader with Legacy, but a New Path
Chirag Paswan’s stated ambition to join Bihar’s Legislative Assembly by 2030 and possibly emerge as a front-runner for CM in a future election represents both continuity and change. He carries forward the legacy of his father Ram Vilas Paswan, but he aims to do so on his own terms and in his own time — defined by long-term strategy rather than short-term opportunism.
His plan also reflects a broader political mindset: while Bihar remains central to his identity, he sees himself not just as a regional leader, but as someone capable of leveraging national experience for state transformation.
Challenges and Questions Ahead
- Alliance negotiation risk: Can LJP (RV) secure enough leverage within the NDA to translate Paswan’s 2030 ambitions into reality — especially if other powerful allies also eye leadership roles?
- Voter base and organization: To succeed in Bihar’s assembly politics, Paswan will need a robust grassroots machinery and sustained voter engagement; converting his national profile into state-level traction will be crucial.
- Perception vs. Ambition: While Paswan emphasizes that his goals are rooted in service, skeptics may view his 2030 timeline as a calculated play for power.
- Transition from Centre to State: Leaving or reducing his national responsibilities to focus on Bihar is a significant shift — one that requires careful planning and execution.
