Chirag Paswan sharpened the political pitch in Bihar on Tuesday, alleging that discontent within the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress had grown too visible to dismiss, as parties prepare for an intensification of activity after the end of Kharmas with Makar Sankranti on January 14–15.Addressing party workers and supporters, the Lok Janshakti Party president and Union minister said the unease among legislators of the two opposition parties reflected a widening gap between their leadership and rank and file. He argued that public disagreements and private complaints were converging into a pattern that would shape the next phase of state politics. Paswan framed the issue as one of trust and direction, contending that lawmakers were increasingly unsure about organisational priorities and leadership signals.
The comments come at a time when political mobilisation across Bihar is expected to gather pace. With the inauspicious period drawing to a close, senior leaders are lining up statewide yatras and outreach programmes aimed at energising cadres and testing public sentiment. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is scheduled to embark on a series of tours focused on governance delivery and welfare outreach, while Paswan’s party is preparing its own roadshows to consolidate support among core constituencies.
Paswan’s attack targeted what he described as contradictions within the opposition alliance, particularly over leadership and seat-sharing expectations. He claimed that internal debates had spilled into the open, undermining the opposition’s ability to present a cohesive alternative. While stopping short of naming individual legislators, he said the pattern of dissent was evident in statements and conduct inside and outside the assembly.
Leaders from the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Indian National Congress pushed back, asserting that discussions within parties were part of democratic functioning and not a sign of fracture. They accused the ruling alliance of seeking to divert attention from governance challenges by amplifying routine internal conversations. Opposition figures also pointed to coordination mechanisms within their alliance, arguing that electoral preparations were on track.
Political analysts note that Paswan’s remarks align with a broader strategy to position his party as a disciplined and responsive force ahead of an election cycle that will test alliances and leadership narratives. As a cabinet minister in the Union government, Paswan has sought to balance his national role with a strong state presence, frequently signalling that Bihar remains central to his political priorities. His emphasis on internal cohesion is aimed at contrasting his party’s structure with what he portrays as the opposition’s managerial strains.
The timing of the statement is significant. Makar Sankranti traditionally marks the resumption of social and political engagements after a lull, and parties often use the period to reset messaging and mobilise resources. Statewide yatras offer leaders a platform to project accessibility and to gather feedback from the ground, feeding into campaign planning. For the ruling coalition, these tours are also an opportunity to highlight policy delivery and counter opposition critiques.
Within the opposition, the challenge will be to maintain unity while accommodating differing aspirations among legislators and allies. Bihar’s politics has long been shaped by coalition arithmetic, where seat negotiations and leadership choices can strain relationships. Managing these dynamics without public discord will be critical as campaigning intensifies.