“My Mother Is Not a Rajya Sabha Candidate”: Chirag Paswan Stakes NDA Claim on All Five Bihar Seats

Patna, Bihar: With the 2026 Rajya Sabha elections approaching in Bihar, all five seats from the state are under focus. While the BJP and JDU have confirmed their candidates for four of the seats—two each—the fifth seat remains contentious. Speculation had been rife that Chirag Paswan’s mother, Reena Paswan, would contest the fifth seat. However, Chirag Paswan has now clarified that his mother will not be a candidate.

Background

Chirag Paswan dismissed the rumors regarding his mother’s candidacy, stating clearly in Patna that Reena Paswan will not contest the March Rajya Sabha elections. While he ruled out his mother’s participation, he did not comment on whether he or his party might stake a claim for the fifth seat.

The speculation arose from previous arrangements during the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. LJP (Ram Vilas) contested only 29 seats but was reportedly promised one Rajya Sabha seat in exchange. With Chirag aiming to contest 35–40 seats, political circles assumed the fifth Rajya Sabha seat could go to his mother. LJP (R) leader Sanjay Kumar Singh had earlier suggested the party would support Reena Paswan for the seat.

NDA’s Strong Position

Even though Reena Paswan will not contest, NDA remains the strongest contender for the fifth seat. After BJP and JDU have fielded their candidates for four seats, the remaining strength of legislators favors Chirag Paswan’s LJP (R).

• LJP (R) – 19 MLAs
• BJP – 7 MLAs
• JDU – 3 MLAs
• RLSP – 4 MLAs
• HAM – 5 MLAs
• Total remaining: 38 MLAs

With just three LJP (R) MLAs needed for the fifth seat, the party is in a strong position. AIMIM support could further strengthen their chances, owing to historical political alignments in Bihar. Meanwhile, RLSP and HAM have fewer MLAs, limiting their ability to challenge.

No Personal Demand from Chirag

Interestingly, Chirag Paswan has not made a personal demand for the fifth Rajya Sabha seat. He reaffirmed that his mother, who had not contested during his father Ram Vilas Paswan’s lifetime, will not enter active politics now. He also indicated that no other family member will contest, signaling that he is not seeking to pressure the BJP over the seat.

BJP’s Strategy

Political observers now suggest that JDU may contest two seats, while BJP fields candidates for three, aiming to strengthen its Rajya Sabha presence. Reports indicate BJP plans a mix of representation—one upper-caste, one backward (non-Yadav), and one Dalit—to maintain coalition harmony and avoid disputes with LJP (R), RLSP, and HAM.

What Chirag Paswan May Gain

Sources indicate that under coalition negotiations, LJP (R) may receive compensatory positions, such as an MLC or a ministerial berth, to maintain party balance. Other parties, like RLSP, are also seeking ministerial posts for their family members. With these arrangements, the fifth seat is expected to remain within NDA’s control.