Chirag Paswan constitutes new national team with eye on Gen Z voters

The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) unveiled its new national executive committee on Wednesday, comprising over 100 members who blend seasoned experience with youthful energy. The party is gearing up for upcoming Assembly elections in seven states, aiming to broaden its reach and connect with younger voters. Surendra Vivek was named the new state president for Bihar, while Samastipur MP Shambhavi Choudhary assumed leadership of the party's student wing.

LJP (RV) spokesperson Vineet Singh highlighted the new team's infusion of vitality and creativity, noting the balance between fresh faces and seasoned leaders. Chirag Paswan, the party's national president and parliamentary board chairman, retained his roles, while veteran Abdul Khaliq stayed on as national general secretary. Khaliq's long-standing association with the party dates back to the era of its founder, Ram Vilas Paswan.

Chirag Paswan has also been proactive in addressing issues beyond electoral politics, recently speaking with protesters in Bihar to underscore the party's commitment to grassroots concerns. Vivek, an engineer who lost out in the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls, replaced MLA Raju Tiwari as Bihar's new state president and was inducted into the national team as one of 12 general secretaries.

His selection underscores the party's strategy to maintain social equilibrium while bolstering its core Dalit support. The party's focus on attracting young voters is evident in the appointment of Choudhary, India's youngest MP, as head of the student cell and a national spokesperson. Pranab Kumar takes charge as head of the youth cell, and Indraprastha Bhatia assumes leadership of the women's cell.

Arun Bharti, brother-in-law of Chirag Paswan and Jamui MP, has been entrusted with a high-profile role as a national spokesperson, alongside other prominent leaders like Murari Gautam and Vineet Singh. The party has appointed 12 national spokespersons across regions, expanding its presence to 33 states with 19 MLAs in Bihar, two in Nagaland, and one in Jharkhand.