Chirag Paswan's party looks beyond Bihar to expand footprint in Uttar Pradesh

Union minister Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is considering contesting the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections independently. The party plans to contest all 403 seats in the state if it receives an unfavorable deal during seat-sharing talks within the NDA.

Memorial Event

The party is shifting the death anniversary event of its founder and Chirag's father, Ram Vilas Paswan, from Bihar to Lucknow on October 8. This marks the party's first large-scale observance of the event in Uttar Pradesh. The gathering serves to showcase the party's strength in a state where Dalits make up about 21 percent of the population according to the 2011 Census. LJP (RV) national spokesperson Rajesh Bhatt stated that the party invited the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, along with ministers, MPs, and MLAs from both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, to share the ideals of the founder.

Past Contests and Strategy

Going solo is not new for the party, as Chirag previously led the undivided LJP out of the NDA seat-sharing arrangement in Bihar during the 2020 elections. The party also contested independently in Manipur in 2017 and Jharkhand in 2019. The move additionally signals competition for the Bahujan Samaj Party for Dalit votes and puts pressure on the BJP regarding future seat-sharing negotiations. Beyond Uttar Pradesh, the party is exploring options for upcoming assembly elections in Punjab and Chhattisgarh. Meanwhile, another NDA constituent, the JD(U), is also eyeing Uttar Pradesh polls with a workers meeting in Varanasi.

Context

Regional political parties often expand into neighboring states to build national recognition and increase their bargaining power with major national allies. Uttar Pradesh remains a key political battleground due to its large size and high number of assembly constituencies. Parties that rely on specific caste bases frequently test their electoral appeal outside their home states ahead of major polls.