Chirag Paswan's LJP(R) seeks NDA seat‑share for UP and Punjab polls

Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is positioning itself to contest the upcoming Uttar Pradesh and Punjab assembly elections as a partner in the National Democratic Alliance. The party is actively pursuing a seat‑sharing arrangement with the NDA, aiming to secure a foothold in two of India’s most politically significant states.

Party strategy for Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, LJP(R) intends to leverage its limited but focused organisational base to win a handful of constituencies. The party’s leadership has indicated that it will target seats where Dalit and youth demographics are strong, hoping that a modest presence can translate into influence within the broader NDA framework.

Focus on Punjab

Punjab presents a different set of challenges. LJP(R) plans to contest a few seats in regions where the Dalit electorate holds sway, particularly in constituencies traditionally contested by larger regional parties. By aligning with the NDA, the party hopes to avoid vote splitting and improve its chances of winning.

Targeting youth and Dalit voters

Paswan’s outreach strategy centres on two core voter groups: young voters and Dalits. The party believes that its youthful leadership can resonate with first‑time voters, while its legacy of representing Dalit interests can attract a reliable support base. This dual focus is expected to shape campaign messaging and candidate selection.

Launch of "Youth Bole To" dialogue

To reinforce its youth‑centric narrative, LJP(R) is set to launch a dialogue series titled “Youth Bole To.” The initiative will involve town‑hall meetings, social media interactions, and grassroots workshops aimed at gathering feedback from young citizens and incorporating their concerns into the party’s policy platform.

Implications for the NDA alliance

If the seat‑sharing talks conclude successfully, LJP(R) could become a modest but strategic ally for the NDA in both states. The arrangement would allow the NDA to consolidate anti‑incumbency votes while giving Paswan’s party a platform to expand its visibility ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.