Paswan, however, also argued that protests should not become a means of inconveniencing the public. Speaking about the CJP’s call for a demonstration, he said while protests were an essential part of democracy, a resolution would come through dialogue rather than by blocking roads in Delhi. He suggested that political parties send a delegation to meet the chief election commissioner and put forward their concerns.
The remarks place Paswan in a politically delicate position. As a minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), a key constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), he has increasingly sought to establish an independent voice on contentious issues.
Late last month, Paswan questioned the Bihar NDA government’s handling of law and order following incidents of sexual violence and other crimes. He said he felt “ashamed” to support a government where crime had gone out of control, arguing that the police and administration were failing to ensure public safety. The remarks drew a sharp response from Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who challenged Paswan to take further action if he was so ashamed.
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