Death Threat to Chirag Paswan Sparks Political Firestorm in Bihar Ahead of Assembly Elections

Introduction: Security Concerns Rock Bihar Politics

Bihar's political scene has been thrown into turmoil after Chirag Paswan, Member of Parliament and president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), received a serious death threat via social media. The threat, which surfaced just months ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, has triggered alarm within the LJP(RV) ranks and ignited a fresh war of words between rival parties.

An FIR has been registered, and Chirag’s party has alleged that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is behind the orchestrated threat—a charge RJD has categorically denied. As investigations continue, the incident has highlighted growing political polarization and the increasing use of digital platforms for intimidation and misinformation in Indian politics.

What Happened: The Threat Unfolds

The incident came to light when Chirag Paswan’s social media team discovered a threatening message on a widely-followed platform. According to party officials, the threat explicitly mentioned physical harm to the LJP(RV) chief, warning him against “disrupting certain political interests in Bihar.”

The post, which quickly gained traction before being deleted, was reported to cybercrime authorities in Patna. A First Information Report (FIR) was subsequently lodged at a local police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the IT Act.

Chirag Paswan, who has maintained a high-profile presence in Bihar’s political space ever since inheriting his father Ram Vilas Paswan’s legacy, addressed the media following the FIR:

“My political views may be different, but no one has the right to issue death threats. I believe in democracy, and I will not be silenced through intimidation.”

LJP(RV) Points Fingers at RJD

Shortly after the threat was reported, senior leaders from the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) accused the RJD—led by Tejashwi Yadav—of being indirectly responsible for the incident. Party spokespersons claimed that recent political speeches from RJD leaders have created an atmosphere of hostility and vendetta, emboldening fringe elements to make such threats.

Ravi Mishra, an LJP(RV) leader, said:

“We see this as part of a broader campaign to intimidate our leader. It’s not just a threat to Chirag Paswan but a threat to the democratic fabric of Bihar.”

These accusations, however, have been vehemently denied by RJD, which condemned the threat while accusing LJP(RV) of using the incident for political mileage.
RJD leader Shakti Singh Yadav responded:

“We condemn any threat made to a public figure, irrespective of political affiliation. But it is irresponsible to level baseless allegations against us. Let the police investigate and take action.”

Bihar Assembly Elections: Tensions Already High

The timing of the incident is critical. Bihar is gearing up for a fiercely contested Assembly election, scheduled for later in 2025. With realignments taking place between BJP, JD(U), LJP(RV), RJD, and Congress, the state is already in election mode.

Chirag Paswan, whose party contested independently in the 2020 elections and hurt the JD(U)’s vote share significantly, has emerged as a key player in coalition politics. His aggressive stance on development issues and caste representation has drawn both support and criticism, particularly from parties seeking to consolidate the backward class vote.

His increasing popularity among Dalit youth and first-time voters has made him a visible target in a state where electoral violence and political intimidation are not new phenomena.

The Rise of Digital Threats in Indian Politics

The threat against Chirag Paswan has once again raised concerns about the unchecked rise of cyber threats targeting politicians, journalists, and activists. Over the past few years, multiple leaders—across parties—have reported harassment, abuse, and threats on social media platforms.

Cybersecurity experts warn that most such threats go unpunished due to inadequate investigation mechanisms and low conviction rates. The lack of a comprehensive cybercrime policy in the political domain has only compounded the problem.

Digital rights activist Anuja Mehta points out:

“The threat to Chirag Paswan is not isolated. It’s part of a dangerous trend where online platforms are being weaponized for political warfare. We need both regulation and rapid response.”

In response to the incident, Union Minister for Home Affairs has reportedly asked for a detailed report from the Bihar police, and security arrangements around Chirag Paswan have been tightened.

Public Reaction: Sympathy and Outrage

Public reaction to the news has been swift. Hashtags supporting Chirag Paswan began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with netizens expressing shock and demanding accountability. A large section of Bihar’s youth, particularly from marginalized communities, have condemned the threat and called for unbiased investigation.

Meanwhile, civil society organizations have urged for the creation of a political safety commission at the state level to ensure safe campaigning and speech in the run-up to elections.

Political analyst Rakesh Pandey observes:

“The reaction to this threat reveals the complex layers of political identity, caste consciousness, and public sentiment in Bihar. It also shows that the youth, especially online, are not silent observers anymore.”

Chirag’s Next Steps: From Legal to Political

Chirag Paswan has made it clear that while the matter is now in the hands of the police, he won’t back down from campaigning or speaking out. His public schedule remains active, and his team has been instructed to take “precautionary measures” at all campaign venues.

His legal team is also exploring options to file a petition demanding protection and stricter enforcement against digital threats to public officials. Additionally, LJP(RV) is planning a statewide awareness campaign highlighting the need for political freedom, safety, and dignity—especially for leaders from historically oppressed communities.

This incident is also likely to feature prominently in LJP(RV)’s election manifesto, with a focus on law and order, cybercrime prevention, and democratic rights.

Political Impact: Rallying the Core Base

Interestingly, the threat may also help Chirag Paswan consolidate his voter base. Often seen as the youthful face of Dalit empowerment in Bihar, Chirag has consistently spoken about economic inclusion, job creation, and cultural pride.

This attack, whether politically orchestrated or not, positions him as a targeted reformist, potentially boosting his appeal among undecided voters and neutral sections of the electorate.

Veteran journalist Shyamlal Yadav notes:

“The emotional connect that Chirag shares with Paswan voters, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, will only deepen. If he frames this narrative wisely, it could help him gain political momentum.”

Conclusion: Democracy Under Threat or Tactical Diversion?

As investigations proceed and political temperatures rise in Bihar, the Chirag Paswan threat case poses a deeper question: Are democratic spaces in Indian politics shrinking under the weight of fear and digital warfare? Or is the incident being leveraged to generate electoral capital?

While the truth may lie somewhere in between, what remains undisputed is that political violence—physical or digital—has no place in a democratic society. Bihar’s voters, scarred by years of instability, will undoubtedly watch how this saga unfolds, and how their leaders respond—not just with words, but with decisive action.

The upcoming months will be crucial in defining not only Chirag Paswan’s political trajectory but also the integrity of Bihar’s democratic process.