KKN Gurugram Desk | With Bihar’s political atmosphere heating up ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections, Chirag Paswan, Member of Parliament and Union Minister, has thrust himself into the spotlight. His “Bihar First, Bihari First” campaign slogan is gaining renewed attention, leading many to speculate that Paswan is preparing for a major political leap: contesting for the Chief Minister’s position.
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As Bihar’s political landscape shifts dramatically, Paswan’s ambition could reshape the electoral contest.
Chirag Paswan’s Political Strategy Unfolds
Chirag Paswan’s vocal promotion of “Bihar First, Bihari First” is not merely rhetoric. Political insiders suggest it is part of a calculated move toward asserting himself as a credible Chief Ministerial candidate.
Given the reported health issues of current CM Nitish Kumar and the growing demand for fresh leadership, Chirag Paswan seems poised to capitalize on a generational shift in Bihar’s politics.
Recently, one of Chirag’s close allies and a Member of Parliament from his party hinted at his active participation in the electoral fray, further fueling speculation about his Chief Ministerial aspirations.
Bihar’s New Political Battle: Who Will Be the Next Chief Minister?
The question “Who will be the next CM of Bihar?” has become central to political discourse in the state.
Several factors are contributing to this uncertainty:
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Nitish Kumar’s declining health and performance concerns
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Rising youth-driven leadership demand
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Internal rifts within major alliances
A recent survey conducted by CVoter has intensified the debate, throwing new contenders into the spotlight and shaking up earlier assumptions.
Chirag Paswan and the Impact of the CVoter Survey
Some political analysts interpret Chirag Paswan’s increased Bihar-centric activities as a response to the latest CVoter survey findings.
The survey placed Tejashwi Yadav firmly in the lead as the top choice for Chief Minister among Biharis, reinforcing his image as a dedicated state-level leader.
Tejashwi’s commitment to Bihar — avoiding Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha ambitions — appears to have paid off, making him a strong and consistent contender.
In contrast, Chirag Paswan found himself ranked lower in voter preference, signaling the need for strategic realignment if he wishes to enhance his profile in state politics.
The Rise of Prashant Kishor: A Key Challenger
Another significant figure emerging from the survey is political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor.
Kishor’s Bihar-centric campaigns, focused on job creation, reversing migration, and empowering local governance, have resonated with a large section of the youth and middle-class voters.
According to the survey, public perception of Kishor as a potential Chief Minister has grown significantly compared to earlier polls.
His clear focus on grassroots issues and a development-oriented vision have strengthened his standing in Bihar’s rapidly evolving political arena.
Nitish Kumar’s Waning Influence
Once seen as the undisputed leader of Bihar, Nitish Kumar now finds himself sliding to third position in the CM race according to recent surveys.
The primary reasons for his fall:
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Deteriorating health
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Perceived inefficiency
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Voter fatigue after multiple terms
Although Nitish continues to command a loyal base, the demand for fresh leadership among younger voters is undeniable.
This shift in voter sentiment is opening doors for newer leaders like Tejashwi Yadav, Prashant Kishor, and potentially Chirag Paswan.
Chirag Paswan’s Youth Appeal and Political Branding
Despite setbacks, Chirag Paswan continues to be seen as a youthful, energetic leader.
His image as a “youth icon,” “Modi’s Hanuman,” and dynamic speaker helps him remain a relevant figure in Bihar’s political theatre.
Though the latest surveys put him lower in preference rankings, his consistent branding efforts and association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi might work in his favor among a section of the electorate.
A New Electoral Dynamic: Third Front Emerging?
Traditionally, Bihar elections have been a direct contest between NDA and Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance).
However, 2025 could witness the rise of a third front, potentially featuring leaders like Prashant Kishor and Chirag Paswan.
Political insiders hint at talks regarding a possible alliance between Kishor and Paswan to provide a fresh alternative to the two established power blocs.
If such an alliance materializes, it could significantly alter the course of the election and introduce new complexities into seat-sharing and electoral strategies.
Chirag Paswan’s Lok Sabha Success and Assembly Ambitions
Chirag Paswan’s party delivered an impressive 100% strike rate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bihar.
Buoyed by that success, Paswan is now pushing for a substantial share in the Bihar Assembly seats, demanding strong bargaining power within alliances.
His seriousness about Bihar’s legislative politics may become even more evident if he chooses to contest an Assembly seat himself — a move that would firmly establish his CM aspirations.
BJP’s Calculations: Reducing Dependence on JD(U)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly seeking to minimize its reliance on Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) by strengthening smaller allies such as:
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Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)
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Hindustani Awam Morcha
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Rashtriya Lok Morcha
By empowering these allies and distributing more seats among them, BJP aims to create a post-election scenario where they can comfortably form a government without needing JD(U) support.
This strategy may further embolden Chirag Paswan’s ambitions to emerge as a central figure in Bihar’s power structure.
The Road Ahead: Bihar’s High-Stakes Election Battle
As Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections, several critical factors will shape the outcome:
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Will Tejashwi Yadav maintain his lead among voters?
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Can Prashant Kishor convert his growing popularity into electoral success?
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Will Chirag Paswan’s youth-centric strategy resonate with voters seeking change?
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How will Nitish Kumar’s camp respond to the shifting dynamics?
The emergence of a potential third front and strategic repositioning by major parties promise to make this one of Bihar’s most unpredictable and fiercely contested elections yet.
Chirag Paswan’s “Bihar First, Bihari First” narrative is not just a slogan — it is an aggressive political statement aimed at positioning himself as a serious contender for Bihar’s top post.
While challenges from Tejashwi Yadav and Prashant Kishor loom large, Paswan’s youthful energy, previous electoral successes, and close ties with the BJP leadership ensure he remains a key player in the upcoming battle for Bihar.