Mon Apr 14 16:26:14 UTC 2025: **RLJP Quits NDA, Eyes Bihar Assembly Polls with RJD**

PATNA, Bihar – Pashupati Kumar Paras, chief of the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), announced his party’s withdrawal from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on April 14, 2025, citing “injustice” from the ruling coalition. Paras, brother of the late Ram Vilas Paswan, stated that his party’s five MPs would be leaving the NDA after feeling disrespected despite their support since 2014.

The RLJP’s decision follows the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the party was not allocated any seats under the NDA, while a rival faction received and won five. This, coupled with what Paras described as a lack of respect within the coalition, led to the party’s exit. Paras had previously resigned from the Union Cabinet in March 2024.

While Paras remains tight-lipped about his party’s immediate future, stating that a decision will be made after completing a statewide tour, sources within the RLJP suggest an alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led opposition is likely. Paras himself acknowledged his long-standing family relationship with RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. The RLJP plans to contest all 243 seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The party’s participation in the “Mahagathbandhan” (grand alliance) hinges on receiving sufficient respect and suitable representation.

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