Pashupati Paras' RLJP Quits NDA Over ‘Injustice To Dalit Party’, Signals Shift Towards Mahagathbandhan
RLJP leader Pashupati Kumar Paras has quit the NDA alliance due to alleged mistreatment by NDA members. He claims the alliance failed to respect the RLJP as it is a 'Dalit party'.
Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief Pashupati Kumar Paras on Monday formally announced his party’s departure from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), accusing the BJP-led coalition of sidelining and insulting the RLJP for being a Dalit-centric party. He also hinted at the possibility of exploring new political alignments, though clarified no talks with the Mahagathbandhan have taken place yet.
In an exclusive interview with ABP News, Paras said, “Politics is not the domain of saints. After enduring such humiliation, our party decided it was time to sever ties. Today, we made this announcement public.”
He strongly refuted the idea that he broke the alliance, saying, “I didn’t leave the alliance. It was the NDA that abandoned us. We had five MPs. We had committed no offence. But our MPs were denied tickets in the elections. That’s when it became clear to them that ours is a Dalit party, and perhaps the BJP is anti-Dalit. Even in such adverse circumstances, I stood by Prime Minister Modi, I went for nomination.”
Paras pointed out that despite being part of the NDA, he was excluded from key acknowledgements by alliance leaders. “The BJP and JD(U) said that there are five parties in the NDA in Bihar, and my party was not even named,” he said.
Observing Ambedkar Jayanti, the RLJP organised a programme at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna, during which Paras declared the party’s break from the NDA. “Today was Ambedkar Jayanti, and that’s why I chose to make the announcement. Today, I have proved who the real leader of the Dalits is,” he stated.
He also accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of insulting Dr B.R. Ambedkar, adding, “The Home Minister insulted Ambedkar Sahib, and everyone saw it.”
Paras also commented on whether his son Yashraj Paswan will contest elections, saying, “There is democracy in the party. The party will decide whether my son will contest.”
Speaking to news agency ANI, Paras said, “I was with the NDA from 2014 till date. We were loyal allies of the NDA. You must have seen that when Lok Sabha elections were held, people of NDA did injustice to our party, as it is a Dalit party. Still, in the national interest, our party decided to support NDA in the elections.”
He further alleged that the RLJP was deliberately sidelined during key alliance meetings in Bihar. “6-8 months later, whenever NDA meeting was held in Bihar, BJP state chief and JD(U) state chief issued statements that they are ‘5 Pandavas’ in Bihar; they didn’t mention our party’s name anywhere… So, we were compelled… We are going amid the people and have started a membership drive. We are preparing for all 243 seats… If Mahagathbandhan gives us proper respect at the right time, we will definitely think of politics in the future,” he added.
#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: On his decision to quit NDA, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief Pashupati Kumar Paras says, "I was with the NDA since 2014 till date. We were loyal allies of the NDA. You must have seen that when Lok Sabha elections were held, people of NDA did… pic.twitter.com/UBW8mlBGxy
— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2025
He also reiterated his long-standing ties with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), particularly with its chief, Lalu Prasad Yadav. Referring to a recent visit, Paras said, “On 15 January, respected Lalu Yadav ji came to my house despite being unwell and honoured me. Since 1977, I have had good relations with him; I was an MLA for 30 years. I became his minister in his government too. I have always shared a good relationship with his party and family.”
However, he later clarified that there had been no discussions with the Mahagathbandhan yet regarding elections. “No talks have taken place with Mahagathbandhan about elections so far,” he told ABP News.
RLJP Calls Nitish Kumar-Led Bihar Government 'Anti-Dalit'
On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, the RLJP held a programme at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna where the party launched a scathing attack on the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, branding it “anti-Dalit.” During the event, Paras formally announced the party’s break-up with the NDA, declaring, “From today, our party has no relation or connection with the NDA.”
Paras further criticised both the NDA-led Central government and the Bihar government, accusing them of being “corrupt and anti-Dalit.” He alleged that Dr B.R. Ambedkar was insulted in Parliament and demanded that the late Ram Vilas Paswan be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna.
“We will now prepare for all 243 seats. Our workers will go to the people and strengthen the organisation. When election time comes, we will go with whoever gives us due respect. This decision will not be made alone but by all party leaders collectively,” he added.
Addressing the gathering, former MP Prince Raj echoed the criticism, saying, “If our government comes to power, the first order will be to release the Dalits and poor people who were jailed under the pretext of prohibition by the Nitish government.” Accusing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of targeting marginalised communities, he said, “You are holding ‘Bheem Samvad’ but sending Dalits to jail in the name of prohibition.”
Prince Raj went on to assert that, “This is not a prohibition law, it is an anti-Dalit law.” He also took a dig at Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan, saying, “You portray yourself as a protector of Dalit interests, but why are you silent on the atrocities being committed against Dalits in the name of prohibition?”
The RLJP’s exit from the NDA comes ahead of the crucial Assembly elections in Bihar, with the party now aiming to contest all seats independently while keeping the door open for potential alliances based on “respect and honour.”
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