Bihar’s political theater turned dramatic when an RJD MLA’s offhand comment labeling iconic leader Ram Vilas Paswan as ‘becheara’ ignited a firestorm in the state assembly. LJP-RV legislators, fiercely loyal to the late patriarch, boycotted proceedings and staged a vociferous demonstration, forcing RJD to backpedal with tribute slogans.
It all started during a session where Bodh Gaya representative Kumar Sarvajeet urged installing Paswan’s statue in Patna to celebrate his monumental role in Bihar politics. But his characterization of Paswan’s career path as that of a ‘poor fellow’ crossed a line for LJP-RV, led by Chirag Paswan’s faction.
Party spokesperson Raju Tiwari minced no words outside the assembly premises. He highlighted Paswan’s stellar record—serving six PMs over five decades without blemish—and insisted Tejashwi Yadav tender a formal apology. ‘This is a blatant disrespect to a towering figure,’ Tiwari thundered to reporters.
Sarvajeet hit back, portraying Paswan as Bihar’s Dalit messiah whose work transcended communities. He mocked Tiwari’s opposition, vowing it would take ‘seven lifetimes’ to derail the statue demand. RJD MLAs’ subsequent chants honoring Paswan diffused the immediate crisis.
This clash reveals the high stakes of legacy battles in Bihar’s caste-driven landscape. With elections looming, such incidents could reshape alliances and voter sentiments, keeping Paswan’s name central to the narrative.