Chirag Paswan’s LJP(R) Becomes Corporate India’s New Favorite, JDU Strikes Financial Lottery

Patna, Bihar: In a striking turn of political funding, Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) (JDU) saw its donations soar from ₹1.81 crore in 2023–24 to a staggering ₹18.69 crore in 2024–25. Meanwhile, Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP(R)] has emerged as the new favorite among corporate donors.

For parties contesting elections, funding is a critical factor, often reflecting not just political influence but also perceived potential to form governments. Large corporations and industrialists typically evaluate parties based on their electoral prospects, sometimes contributing to opposition parties as well, albeit in smaller amounts.

JDU’s Funding Surge:
JDU’s credibility has grown substantially over recent years. After suffering a major defeat in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, when it was reduced to just 43 MLAs and became the third-largest party in the state, funding to JDU had dwindled. In 2023–24, the party received only ₹1.81 crore.

However, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections marked a significant comeback for JDU, winning 12 seats—far exceeding analysts’ expectations of 5–6 seats. This political resurgence attracted corporate support, resulting in a massive 932% increase in funding for 2024–25. A large portion of these funds came through electoral trusts: ₹10 crore from the Progressive Electoral Trust, ₹5 crore from the Prudent Electoral Trust, and ₹2 crore from the Samaj Electoral Trust Association.

LJP(R)’s Rising Credibility:
Chirag Paswan’s LJP(R) has also gained corporate attention, raising ₹11 crore in the 2024–25 financial year. Under Chirag Paswan’s leadership, the party has strengthened its grassroots presence and electoral strategy. Despite winning only one seat in the 2020 Assembly elections, many of its candidates finished as runners-up, signaling growing influence.

The party’s stature further increased in 2024, when it contested five seats and won all, solidifying Chirag Paswan’s reputation as a decisive player in Bihar politics. This success caught the eye of both the Prime Minister and the corporate community, dramatically boosting LJP(R)’s financial support compared to the mere ₹7 crore raised over a decade from 2004–2015.

Looking Ahead:
In the 2025 Assembly elections, LJP(R) emerged as a key NDA ally, contesting 29 seats and winning 19, reshaping Bihar’s political landscape. With this performance, the party became the fourth-largest in the state, surpassing Congress and establishing itself as a significant political force.

Chirag Paswan’s strategic leadership and LJP(R)’s growing corporate backing indicate a new era in Bihar’s politics, where regional parties are not just electoral players but also preferred partners for India’s corporate sector.