Chirag Paswan’s political journey has unfolded in a space that was never empty. Being the son of Ram Vilas Paswan meant people already had expectations, opinions, and comparisons ready. Yet over the past few years, Chirag has been trying to build a voice that sounds like his own, not just an echo of what came before him.
He didn’t enter politics the usual way. For a short time, he even stepped into films, something that still comes up whenever people talk about him. But politics eventually pulled him in fully, and once he took the plunge, he committed to it with a clear focus. His speeches often revolve around development, jobs, and the frustration of young voters who feel stuck. That tone, slightly emotional, sometimes sharp, has become part of his identity.
His career hasn’t been smooth. The split in his party, shifting alliances in Bihar, and repeated questions about strategy have followed him everywhere. Some see him as confident; others say he’s still figuring out the rules of the game. Both views probably hold some truth.
But what’s hard to deny is this: Chirag has managed to stay visible. He speaks a language younger voters understand, and he has shown he’s willing to stand his ground, even when it complicates his path. Whether he grows into a larger national figure or remains a strong regional voice will depend on how he navigates the coming years but for now, he’s very much part of the conversation.
Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan on Wednesday stressed the need to shift India's agricultural focus from bulk production to value addition, calling food processing crucial to improving farmers' incomes, reducing wastage and generating employment. Speaking at the India Today Group's Kisan Tak Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026, Paswan said the sector had not received the attention it deserved despite its immense potential. Envisioning Indian food products on dining tables across the world, he said, "Every dining table in the world should have one Indian food item." He also urged industry leaders to work with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and organised farming groups to build processing and logistics infrastructure in villages. Paswan said a stronger food processing ecosystem could extend shelf life, improve farmers' returns, open global markets for Indian products and create employment opportunities.
Delhi and the National Capital Region face severe air pollution ahead of Diwali, with 18 monitoring stations recording Air Quality Index readings above 400.
National Democratic Alliance ally and Lok Janshakti Party Ram Vilas chief Chirag Paswan has warned that his party will contest all 403 seats independently in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh if seat-sharing talks fail or if the party is not adequately represented within the coalition. Speaking at an election rally, Paswan cited his party's alliances at the Centre, in Bihar, and in Jharkhand, alongside an independent contest in Nagaland. Analysts describe the move as tactical posturing to secure accommodation from the Bharatiya Janata Party amidst multiple regional allies in Uttar Pradesh.
A political controversy erupted following Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary's remarks claiming that while crime might happen, there is no apradh in the state and the concept of criminals has ended. Reacting to the statement, Union Minister Chirag Paswan responded by emphasising the need to eradicate both crime and criminals from Bihar. Paswan noted that under the Chief Minister's leadership, who also heads the home department, law and order must ensure Bihar becomes safe. The development follows widespread political reactions over the distinction made between crime and crime in Bihar.
Opposition parties within the INDIA bloc and broader regional outfits are stepping up consultations to formulate a coordinated strategy demanding the resignation and criminal proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. Top leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi, have held discussions regarding allegations of voter data and procedural inconsistencies in recent assembly elections. Efforts are underway to organise a joint meeting followed by an opposition media briefing to formalise their campaign. Parties including the Trinamool Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Aam Aadmi Party, and regional groups are being approached to form an expanded front. Concurrently, public demonstration ultimatums have been issued demanding institutional accountability. NDA allies have also underscored the importance of institutional transparency, urging the Election Commission of India to publicly clarify concerns and uphold public trust in democratic electoral processes.
A reported internal rift within the Election Commission of India has triggered a political clash between the opposition and the government. Led by Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party and the INDIA bloc have launched nationwide protests demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition is preparing to move an impeachment motion against the CEC in both houses of Parliament, citing reported internal dissent by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over orders concerning the SIR exercise. Protest plans include marches to state election offices, gherao of the CEC's office in Delhi, and effigy burning by the RJD in Bihar. In response, the BJP dismissed the allegations, claiming the opposition is unsettled by anti-incumbency and the electoral revision process. NDA ally Chirag Paswan noted that the poll panel should address public concerns to preserve trust, while the Election Commission confirmed that its operational digital network remains secure with restricted access for authorised field officials.
The Congress party has launched nationwide protests across multiple cities, including Jammu, Dehradun, Kolkata, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Delhi, seeking the resignation, removal, and prosecution of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Party workers hit the streets, burnt effigies, and planned protest marches towards local Election Commission offices amid heavy security deployments and water cannons. The demonstrations follow reports of alleged internal rifts among election commissioners concerning the Special Summary Revision exercise across several states. Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, have reiterated allegations of election rigging against the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming the Election Commission is operating at the behest of political masters. In Jammu, National General Secretary Nasir Hussain joined demonstrators demanding immediate action and accountability from the poll body. Meanwhile, political reactions also emerged, with Union Minister Chirag Paswan stating that the Election Commission should leave no stone unturned to clarify voter doubts, even as the ruling party dismissed the opposition's claims as repeated electoral frustration.
Nationwide celebrations marked the Prime Minister's birthday, spanning events across Gujarat, New Delhi, Varanasi, and several states. In the national capital, the fifth edition of the SemiconIndia event was launched to coincide with the occasion. Across the country, the Bharatiya Janata Party commenced a month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan focusing on public service initiatives, including blood donation drives, cleanliness campaigns, and welfare outreach. Several political leaders and NDA allies participated in commemorative programmes, flagging off bike rallies from Vadnagar to Varanasi and conducting special prayers for the Prime Minister's long life and health. Citizens were urged to participate in the evening 'Ashirwad ka Diya' initiative by lighting lamps in homes and public spaces. Key state-level welfare announcements, including the second phase of the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi scheme, were launched to support women's financial empowerment. Leaders highlighted the collective national vision of achieving a developed nation status by 2047, praising the Prime Minister's decisive governance and long public service journey.
Across the country, celebrations are underway to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday, spanning Delhi, Gujarat, and his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. Key events include the launch of the fifth edition of the SemiCon India event in the national capital and the commencement of the month-long Seva Abhiyan focused on public service activities. In Varanasi, NDA allies including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Chirag Paswan are participating in celebrations, alongside a bike yatra flagged off by Rajnath Singh and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah is flagging off a bike yatra from Vadnagar to Varanasi and joining cleanliness and Aashirwad Ka Diya events, marking 25 years of the Prime Minister's public service.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 76, celebrations and public service programmes are taking place across India, from Delhi to Gujarat and his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi. The Prime Minister is launching the fifth edition of the SEMICON India event in the national capital, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has initiated the month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and urged citizens to light an Ashirwad ka Diya. Key political leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Democratic Alliance allies, participate in major events such as the Vadnagar to Varanasi bike yatra and cleanliness drives. The broadcast highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public life since assuming office as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001, tracing landmark governance milestones from welfare schemes and Make in India to digital infrastructure expansion and the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap.
On this episode of To The Point, host Preeti Choudhury covers key national developments, beginning with the government's revised UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework taking effect on 15 October 2026.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has set a 2029 deadline to roll out the Uniform Civil Code across all party and National Democratic Alliance ruled states. Positioned as a major ideological goal following the abrogation of Article 370, the proposed civil code includes common laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession across religions. However, the push has exposed internal differences within the alliance. While allies like the Telugu Desam Party, Shiv Sena, and Hindustani Awam Morcha have offered support, the Janata Dal United has opposed its rollout in Bihar, and Lok Janshakti Party leader Chirag Paswan has demanded wider public consultations before deciding.
Differences have surfaced within the National Democratic Alliance over the Uniform Civil Code, particularly in Bihar, following the Union Home Minister's announcement that UCC will be implemented across all 21 NDA-ruled states by 2029. Key allies Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party have adopted a cautious approach. JD(U) has reiterated its demand for wider consultations to ensure no community feels hurt, with working president Sanjay Jha set to convey the party's position. LJP chief Chirag Paswan has sought the public release of the UCC draft and discussions with stakeholders, citing India's diverse social fabric. Meanwhile, Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav has criticised both allies, demanding they clarify their respective positions on the issue.
The central government's push to implement the Uniform Civil Code across 21 NDA-ruled states by 2029 has triggered differences within the NDA alliance. Key Bihar allies, including the JD(U) and LJP(RV), have called for wider consultations and making the draft public before taking a final stand, stressing that no community should feel hurt. Meanwhile, Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav has demanded that the allies clearly state their positions. The proposed UCC framework includes a complete ban on polygamy, a uniform marriage age, mandatory registration of live-in relationships, gender-equal inheritance rights, and common personal laws, while exempting Scheduled Tribes from its ambit.
Trouble has mounted for Swatantra Bhardwaj after the Lok Janshakti Party lodged a police complaint against him at Parliament Street police station for misusing Union Minister Chirag Paswan's name. In a viral podcast video, Bhardwaj claimed political protection and alleged connections to prominent political leaders after boasting about an assault. Chirag Paswan and his party clarified they have no association with Bhardwaj and demanded strict legal action against him. Delhi Police subsequently detained Bhardwaj from a friend's residence in Nathla village in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. The development follows an ongoing probe into a June 23 assault at Jantar Mantar, where a protester's father was struck with a metal kada, sustaining head wounds. Authorities have booked Bhardwaj under various legal provisions, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act, wrongful restraint, hurt, and criminal intimidation.
Air India has terminated a pilot who tested positive for a psychoactive substance following an investigation into a Phuket-Delhi flight, highlighting renewed scrutiny over aviation safety and crew conduct.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan has clarified that he has no connection with right-wing activist and influencer Swatantra Bharadwaj after a viral video sparked controversy. In the video, Bharadwaj admitted to an assault and claimed he had the backing of several NDA leaders, including Paswan, to avoid arrest. Reacting to the claims, Paswan stated that his name was misused by the podcaster alongside other political leaders. Emphasising that admitting to such acts openly on a podcast without facing consequences would set a wrong precedent for the nation, the Union Minister confirmed that he has lodged an official complaint against Bharadwaj and backed calls for strict legal action.
Delhi Police officials have reached Bulandshahr to question accused Swatantra Bahuguna following controversial remarks made during a podcast interview. Delegates including Nishu Azad, Chandrashekhar Azad, Saurabh Das, and Delhi Pradesh Youth Congress representatives held discussions with the police. Protesters and delegates have demanded the addition of non-bailable charges, including attempt to murder and sections under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Act, to the initial First Information Report. Police have assured that missed points will be incorporated through due legal procedures and relevant evidence, such as podcast recordings and medical records of Sanjay Azad, will be re-examined. Political reactions have intensified, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi offering support and questioning the central leadership regarding the prevailing law and order situation, while political links mentioned by the accused in the podcast face heightened scrutiny.
Political controversy erupted after viral video statements from Satyendra Bhardwaj triggered fresh confrontations between the opposition, the government, and Delhi Police. The opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi and the Congress alongside Azad Samaj Party MP Chandrashekhar Azad, accused the authorities of providing patronage to lumpen elements involved in the July 21 violence during student protests at Jantar Mantar. Bhardwaj claimed in an interview that he assaulted Nishu Azad's father, wielded police equipment, and escaped strict action due to political links. Delhi Police issued a fact-check refuting political interference and stating medical reports showed superficial injuries. However, following demands from political leaders and legal representatives who visited Parliament Street Police Station, Delhi Police invoked the SC/ST Act and agreed to conduct a fresh MLC to ascertain if the injuries were grievous enough to warrant an attempt to murder charge.
A big milestone for the NDA government as Prime Minister Narendra Modi becomes the country's longest continuously serving elected premier, completing 12 years in office.
