Chirag Paswan's LJP eyes UP expansion, may contest 2027 assembly elections solo
This year, the party has shifted the death anniversary event of its founder, Ram Vilas Paswan, from Bihar to Lucknow, signalling its growing interest in UP.
Union minister Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) is considering contesting the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections independently, potentially without the support of the BJP-led NDA coalition. This decision comes as the party seeks to expand its presence beyond Bihar and establish itself in the country's most populous state.
The party plans to highlight the significance of the death anniversary of its founder and Chirag's father, Ram Vilas Paswan, who was a prominent Dalit leader and former Union minister. Uttar Pradesh, with 403 assembly constituencies, is seen as a crucial battleground for any party aiming to increase its political footprint. The LJP has invited key political figures from both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to a state-level event in Lucknow, where they will share the ideals of Ram Vilas Paswan.
This move signals the party's growing interest in Uttar Pradesh and its ambition to challenge the dominance of the BSP and other regional parties that traditionally appeal to Dalit voters. If negotiations within the NDA fail to provide a satisfactory seat-sharing arrangement, Chirag Paswan has indicated that the LJP may go solo and contest all 403 seats in Uttar Pradesh.
While this strategy presents a balancing act for Chirag, as he seeks to preserve ties with the BJP while expanding the party's independent electoral base, it also puts the LJP in direct competition with the BSP, which has traditionally relied on Dalit support. The Lucknow event is seen as a test of the party's ability to grow into a national political force and an early indication of its intentions ahead of the crucial assembly elections.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
