Chirag Paswan Emerges as Dalit Icon with Ministry of Food Processing Portfolio in Modi 3.0 Cabinet

Chirag Paswan, the newly appointed Minister of Food Processing in the Modi 3.0 Cabinet, has swiftly risen to prominence in Bihar politics, solidifying his stature as the new Dalit icon in the state. A day after taking oath as a minister, Paswan was granted the charge of the Ministry, previously overseen by Kiren Rijiju in the Modi 2.0 government.

Following a resounding victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chirag Paswan, the leader of LJP (Ram Vilas), now stands as the third most significant ally for BJP in the NDA alliance, after TDP and JD(U). The LJP (Ram Vilas) secured a Cabinet berth for Paswan after achieving a flawless victory in all five seats – Hajipur, Samastipur, Vaishali, Jamui, and Khagaria.

The meteoric success of Chirag Paswan has propelled him as the forefront Dalit leader in Bihar, overshadowing many seasoned politicians in the region. Remarkably, he was elected as the LJP (RV) Parliamentary Party leader in a recent meeting held at his residence in Delhi.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, marking his political debut since his father’s passing and the subsequent factional split in the Lok Janshakti Party, Chirag Paswan showcased his prowess by securing a landslide victory. The victory not only secured him a ministerial position in the Modi 3.0 Cabinet but also cemented his status as a dynamic leader in Bihar.

Embracing the title of ‘Hanuman of Modi’, Chirag Paswan expressed his gratitude towards PM Modi for entrusting him with the Ministry of Food Processing. He pledged to discharge his duties with utmost sincerity and diligence, acknowledging the faith placed in him by the Prime Minister.

Chirag Paswan’s notable triumph in Bihar’s Hajipur Lok Sabha constituency, previously represented multiple times by his father Ram Vilas Paswan, solidified his position as a formidable political force in the state. Defeating the ruling RJD‘s candidate, Shiv Chandra Ram, by a margin exceeding 1.70 lakh votes, Paswan showcased his widespread appeal among the electorate.

Additionally, PM Modi inducted seven MPs from Bihar into his council of ministers, with a focus on maintaining caste balance ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections in 2025. The Union Cabinet, currently comprising 72 ministers, reflects BJP’s strategic approach in the political landscape.