The incident sparked swift reactions from Chirag Paswan, the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his displeasure and demand immediate corrective action. His reaction reflects the strong emotional and symbolic significance of the plaque, as Ram Vilas Paswan had left an indelible mark on Indian politics and represented the area for decades.
Chirag Paswan, known for his vocal stance on preserving his father's legacy, directed authorities to rectify the situation without delay. He stressed that the use of his father's plaque in such a disrespectful manner could not be tolerated and instructed officials to reinstall it at a proper place within the CIPET campus. He also emphasized that those responsible for the mishandling of the memorial would face consequences. Visuals shared on social media platforms showed the muddied plaque discarded on a lawn near the hostel, intensifying public anger.
The plaque had been placed in the hostel when Ram Vilas Paswan, as the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers in the Manmohan Singh government, inaugurated the facility in 2007. Its misuse, therefore, not only disrespected his legacy but also highlighted issues of negligence within the institution. CIPET, a key educational institution in India, is now under scrutiny for failing to preserve a significant historical artifact that symbolized Paswan’s long-standing connection to Hajipur and his contributions to the country's infrastructure and education sectors.
The controversy has also drawn comments from other members of the Paswan family, including Chirag’s uncle, Pashupati Kumar Paras, who represented the Hajipur seat until 2024. Pashupati Paras expressed his indignation and called for an investigation, urging the filing of an FIR against those responsible. His demands reflect the family's unified stance on safeguarding Ram Vilas Paswan’s memory and ensuring accountability.
The situation unfolded at a politically sensitive time for Chirag Paswan, who was recently re-elected as the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) for another five years. As a leader continuing his father’s legacy, Chirag Paswan has been vocal in advocating for his family’s political relevance in Bihar, particularly in Hajipur, a constituency that has been synonymous with the Paswan name for nearly five decades.
Chirag Paswan’s father, a significant figure in national politics, was a member of the Congress-led UPA alliance for many years before aligning with the BJP ahead of the 2014 elections. His contributions extended beyond Bihar, playing a key role in shaping policies as part of various government portfolios over the years.