Union Minister Chirag Paswan Reflects on His Political Journey and Strong Bond with PM Modi at News18 India Chaupal 2024
Union Minister of Food Processing Industries and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Chirag Paswan spoke at the News18 India Chaupal 2024 event on September 16, where he shared insights about his political journey over the past three years, culminating in his appointment to a Cabinet position. Reflecting on his experiences, Paswan described this period as “momentous.”
Speaking about his inclusion in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet, Paswan, aged 41, said, “What has been more significant than this position is the journey leading up to it. In 2021, I faced significant challenges – divisions within my party, personal family struggles – and at one point, it felt as though everything I held dear slipped away. I was cast out of my own party, dismissed as a ‘nepo kid,’ and had to start afresh. But I remained resilient, rebuilt both my party and myself, and today, everything I have is a result of those struggles.”
When asked if he feels any fear or pressure from other political forces, Paswan firmly responded, “Darta mein kisi se nahi hu; dar ab nahi lagta hai kisi baat ka (I am not scared of anyone or anything anymore).” He emphasized that after facing significant losses and rebuilding himself, he no longer fears losing. He reiterated that his and his party’s primary focus is now on the upcoming Bihar elections.
Regarding his sometimes controversial statements, which have led some to question his stance towards PM Modi, Paswan said, “My relationship with my Prime Minister is unbreakable. It has always been strong, even when we were not political allies. In 2020, during the elections, I had already stated, ‘mere dil mein baste hai mere Pradhan Mantri’ (the Prime Minister resides in my heart).”
Paswan explained that the demands and concerns he has raised since the formation of Modi’s third government stem from his party’s own ideologies and priorities. He reminded the audience that LJP’s alliance with the NDA was always based on specific agendas, dating back to 2014 when the party first joined the alliance. He stressed that while coalitions are formed on shared agendas, his party retains its own identity and will not compromise on its principles. “Neither my father, Ram Vilas Paswan, compromised on our party’s ideologies, nor will I,” he asserted.
Paswan also highlighted that, despite criticisms, PM Modi’s government has been receptive to the LJP’s concerns and viewpoints, which have been taken into account before decisions are made.
On the topic of Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal’s recent resignation, Paswan expressed the need to observe whether Kejriwal will favor a family member to succeed him, despite his long-standing opposition to dynasty politics.
