'If We're Not Given Due Respect...': Pashupati Paras's Message To BJP Amid Speculation Over Hajipur Seat

RLJP President Pashupati Paras iterated that while they await the release of the BJP's list, if the RLJP's concerns are not adequately addressed, the party remains open to exploring other options.

Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party Chief and Union Minister Pashupati Paras during a party meeting

Source : PTI

New Delhi: Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) president Pashupati Kumar Paras held a presser on Friday, where he talked about scores of issues. Pashupati announced that he will contest elections from Hajipur and all of the sitting MPs will contest from their respective constituencies.

The assertion comes after another LJP faction headed by Chirag Paswan suggested that its leader will fight from the seat with support from the BJP.

#WATCH | Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party president Pashupati Kumar Paras says, "No, we have not spoken with anyone. But I will contest (Lok Sabha election) from Hajipur. All of our sitting MPs will contest from their respective constituencies. This is our party's… pic.twitter.com/Qn2DsjIwU8

— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2024

When asked if he has had a discussion (for seat sharing) with RJD-Congress, the RLJP president said, "We have not had any discussion with anyone if you are speaking about INDIA Alliance. No, never. We have not spoken with anyone...There are 5 MPs in our party. NDA Alliance should have followed the 'sitting-getting goal'."

"But justice was not done to our party. Until the list of NDA Alliance in Bihar is published, we will wait. I also urge their central leadership to reconsider...Three MPs of the Paswan community have been denied tickets...This is sending a wrong message," he remarked.

#WATCH | When asked if he has had a discussion (for seat sharing) with RJD-Congress, Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party president Pashupati Kumar Paras says, "We have not had any discussion with anyone if you are speaking about INDIA Alliance. No, never. We have not… pic.twitter.com/2ksPkz7yNM

— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2024

Paras Hinted At Potential Departure From NDA

In a candid statement, RLJP President Pashupati Kumar Paras reaffirmed his party's allegiance to the NDA alliance while addressing discussions regarding seat sharing with the RJD-Congress coalition. Paras emphasised the importance of loyalty within friendships and expressed his respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President J.P. Nadda.

However, he acknowledged concerns within his party regarding a perceived lack of preference, leading to disappointment among party workers. Paras iterated that while they await the release of the BJP's list if the RLJP's concerns are not adequately addressed, the party remains open to exploring other options. Notably, Paras hinted at a potential departure from the NDA, emphasising the pragmatic nature of political decisions influenced by prevailing circumstances.

(With inputs from Ankit)