The Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas, under the leadership of Chirag Paswan, made a significant announcement on Wednesday, unveiling Arun Bharti, who happens to be Chirag Paswan's brother-in-law, as its candidate for the Jamui (Reserved) Lok Sabha constituency.
Arun Bharti, wedded to Chirag Paswan's sister Nisha, is scheduled to formalize his nomination on the final day, March 28.
This move comes as the LJP-Ram Vilas gears up to contest on five seats in Bihar, with Chirag Paswan, the current MP for Jamui, already declaring his intent to contest from the Hajipur (SC) seat—a constituency long held by his late father and party founder, Ram Vilas Paswan.
Following his nomination, Bharti expressed his gratitude to Chirag Paswan via a social media post, stating, "Our national President Chirag Paswan has bestowed upon me the party's symbol to contest the Lok Sabha election from Jamui. His trust in me is invaluable, and I extend my thanks to him and PM Narendra Modi."
Bharti, holding an MBA and heading a private telecom enterprise, hails from a political lineage, being the offspring of former Congress lawmaker, Dr. Jyoti. Although previously not actively engaged in Bihar's political arena, Bharti possesses inherent political ties, with his mother being a prominent Congress figure holding sway in Bhojpur district.
Dr. Jyoti expressed her delight at her son's foray into politics, stating, "My son has long been associated with Chirag Paswan, albeit not actively in politics. This marks his debut in political activism, and as a mother, I am elated to witness his political journey."
Sources indicate that Bharti serves as a political advisor to Chirag Paswan, offering insights and recommendations for pivotal political maneuvers and electoral campaigns.
Chirag Paswan, reminiscent of his late father Ram Vilas Paswan's approach, has been inclined towards promoting family members within the party ranks, including Pashupati Kumar Paras, Prince Raj, Ram Chandra Paswan, among others. Nonetheless, Chirag Paswan has had to navigate through challenges, particularly after his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras split from the LJP in 2021, forming another party alongside four other MPs, leaving Chirag Paswan in a relatively isolated position.
In an attempt to preempt such ruptures within the party, Chirag Paswan is reportedly contemplating granting tickets to immediate family members, with speculation suggesting that his sister Nisha Paswan or his mother Reena Paswan might be nominated to contest from the Samastipur (Reserved) seat.
Meanwhile, the RJD has announced the candidacy of local Dalit leader Archana Ravidas for the Jamui constituency.
The electoral battleground of Jamui is set for April 19, marking the commencement of the elections' first phase.
