Chirag Paswan mocks Opposition’s Bihar poll boycott calls: ‘I dare them…’

Patna, July 26, 2025 — In a fiery political broadside aimed at the Opposition alliance in Bihar, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader and Union Minister Chirag Paswan dismissed recent calls for a potential boycott of upcoming state elections as a “tactical failure” and dared rival parties to follow through with their threats. Speaking at a public gathering in Vaishali on Friday, Paswan asserted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is well-prepared to contest and win, regardless of whether the Opposition chooses to participate or not.

The War of Words Intensifies in Bihar

Chirag Paswan, who has rapidly emerged as a dominant face of Bihar’s NDA cohort, ridiculed the Opposition’s claim of an “unlevel playing field” and questioned their commitment to democratic processes.

“If they believe they can’t win without crying foul, I dare them to stay out of the elections altogether. The people of Bihar will answer them better than I ever could,” Paswan said, drawing cheers from supporters.

His remarks came in response to recent statements by leaders of the INDIA bloc — particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress — who suggested that the alliance might consider a boycott if their grievances over alleged misuse of central agencies and media bias go unaddressed.

Opposition's Growing Frustration

In recent weeks, the INDIA bloc has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre of targeting Opposition leaders in Bihar through investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who is also a former Deputy CM, hinted that the alliance may resort to “non-participation” as a form of protest if the democratic framework continues to be "undermined."

Congress’s Bihar unit president Akhilesh Prasad Singh echoed this sentiment, stating:

“What’s the point of contesting if the referee, the stadium, and even the scoreboard are all owned by one team?”

Analyst Viewpoint: Calculated Rhetoric or Desperation?

Political analysts believe the boycott threats may be more about galvanizing public sympathy than actual withdrawal.

Dr. Richa Anand, a political scientist at Patna University, remarked:

“This is classic pre-election brinkmanship. The Opposition is under pressure after a dismal Lok Sabha performance. By invoking unfairness and threatening a boycott, they’re trying to mobilize their base.”

She added that Chirag Paswan’s response reflects growing confidence within the NDA, particularly in Bihar where the BJP-LJP alliance performed strongly in the recent general elections.

BJP-LJP Dynamics: A Rising Force in Bihar

The LJP (Ram Vilas) under Chirag Paswan has seen a significant resurgence, especially among the Dalit and youth voter bases. The party secured 5 out of 5 seats it contested in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, reaffirming its role as a key NDA partner.

NDA strategists are reportedly considering giving the LJP a larger share of seats in the upcoming Assembly elections. Paswan’s aggressive stance against the Opposition is believed to be part of this political maneuvering to consolidate NDA’s voter base in eastern Bihar and semi-urban clusters.

Market Context and Economic Backdrop

Bihar’s political climate holds significance beyond the ballot box. The state is a focus area for infrastructure investment under the Centre’s Eastern Economic Corridor plan, and continued political stability is seen as essential for unlocking long-term capital flows.

Investors are closely watching the situation, particularly in light of the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (BIIPP 2024), which has drawn interest from logistics and textile players.

Harish Mittal, a regional investment consultant, noted:

“Political uncertainty in Bihar can delay decisions, especially in sectors like MSMEs and agriculture tech where public-private partnerships are crucial. A boycott, if it happens, would unsettle market sentiment temporarily.”

Investor Outlook: Stability Preferred

While a full-blown Opposition boycott appears unlikely, the possibility of political theatrics affecting governance in Bihar is not being discounted. Investors favor the continuity of stable leadership and policy implementation — factors that Chirag Paswan and the NDA are expected to leverage in their campaigns.

The state has already seen a steady uptick in tax collections, ease of doing business scores, and FDI interest, especially from diaspora investors with roots in Bihar. A divisive or fractured political narrative could slow this momentum.

Election Season Heats Up

With just months to go before Bihar heads into Assembly elections, Chirag Paswan’s bold rhetoric signals a no-holds-barred campaign season. As the NDA doubles down on development and governance, the Opposition's next move — whether to boycott or battle — could reshape the state’s political landscape.

Regardless of their choice, the electorate remains the ultimate arbiter — a fact Paswan emphasized in his parting words:

“In a democracy, power lies with the people — not with parties that run from the battlefield.”