'UP elections can be contested independently by us, outside of NDA': Chirag Paswan

Asserting that his party is "100 per cent prepared" for every eventuality, Paswan noted that while an alliance would be welcomed, the LJP (RV) is fully geared up to field candidates across all 403 Assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh on its own.

In an exclusive interview with ANI here, highlighting the party's roadmap for Uttar Pradesh, Paswan announced key upcoming events, including a major rally in Varanasi and the party's foundation day celebrations in Lucknow.

"We are 100% prepared for Uttar Pradesh. Our preparations are progressing strongly. We have a major public meeting scheduled in Kashi the day after tomorrow, and this time, we will also celebrate the party's foundation day on November 28 in Lucknow. I believe that as the elections approach, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will establish itself as a strong contender and a strong alternative in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections," Paswan told reporters in Patna.

When asked about the possibility of allying in the Uttar Pradesh polls, the Union Minister stated that while it is premature to comment definitively, the party is prepared for all eventualities.

"It is too early for me to comment on anything. However, I am prepared for every eventuality. We have a national-level alliance with the NDA, and we are in an alliance in Bihar. I have respected the alliance arrangements in different states. We have MLAs in Jharkhand, and we contested the elections together in Delhi," he said.

Paswan also pointed to the party's independent footprint in the Northeast, noting, "However, in Nagaland, we contested independently and today have two MLAs there. If an alliance arrangement takes shape, that would be a good thing. However, if circumstances demand otherwise, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is also prepared to contest all 403 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh independently."

This comes amid growing political activity in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with the BJP and the Samajwadi Party (SP) preparing for a crucial electoral contest.

Uttar Pradesh, which has 403 Assembly seats, is expected to witness a major contest between the BJP and the SP in 2027, with the Congress also looking to expand its political footprint in the state.

Launching a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegations of "vote theft" and foreign funding, Union Minister Chirag Paswan termed the claims a reflection of Congresss "desperation for power" and an unwillingness to introspect following repeated electoral defeats.

"I don't think there can be a greater desperation for power than this. You are pointing fingers at a Prime Minister who has been one of the longest-serving heads of government. He has served continuously in this role for 25 years and has been elected by the people of the country for a third consecutive term. This shows how desperation has reached a point where you are unwilling to look within. Today, you are making the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) an issue. SIR was recently conducted in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections, and you are alleging that we stole votes. Rahul Ji, when was the last time Congress had a Chief Minister in Bihar? When was the last time Congress had a Chief Minister in Uttar Pradesh or West Bengal? There are several states where people rejected Congress decades ago... The problem is that this is not an issue connected to the public. You are using SIR as a tool to return to power. Congress's desperation to regain power without undertaking any introspection will not succeed.", he said. (ANI)