By The chief minister said Paswan had emerged as a major Dalit leader in Bihar around five decades ago and earned widespread public support for his commitment to social justice. He added that Uttar Pradesh, where Paswan also enjoyed considerable popularity, would accord him the respect he received in Bihar. Yogi also praised Paswan’s son, Union Minister Chirag Paswan, for carrying forward his father’s legacy.
The programme was held at Dayal Bagh in Lucknow’s Golf City area to mark the sixth death anniversary of the former Union minister, who was posthumously honoured with the Padma Bhushan. Several political leaders attended the event, including Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Union Minister Anupriya Patel.
Yogi recalls Paswan’s commitment to social justice
Sharing his memories of working with Paswan in Parliament, Yogi said the veteran leader pursued social causes without discrimination. He noted that Paswan had served as a senior member of the Union Cabinet under both Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Yogi also spoke about Paswan’s personal qualities, describing him as a leader whose simplicity and approachable nature left a lasting impression. According to the chief minister, Paswan devoted his life to raising social awareness and working towards the vision of India envisaged by Dr BR Ambedkar.
Yogi congratulated the Bihar government for observing Paswan’s death anniversary on a national scale, saying the leader’s contribution to public life deserved wider recognition.
Anupriya Patel, president of Apna Dal (S) and a Union minister, also paid tribute to Paswan. She described him as a leader with a broad vision who consistently represented Dalits and disadvantaged communities across successive governments.
Chirag Paswan announces plans to expand party in UP
The event also brought attention to the political ambitions of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) in Uttar Pradesh. Party president and Union Minister Chirag Paswan said the organisation was preparing to expand its presence in the state and intended to contest all 403 Assembly seats.
He said the party had established a strong base in states such as Bihar, Jharkhand and Nagaland and believed it also had a substantial support base in Uttar Pradesh. Asked whether the party would contest the state elections in alliance with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Chirag said no discussions had taken place on the matter so far.
Responding to questions about Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA — Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak — political outreach, Chirag said the Rajya Sabha elections had provided an opportunity to send a message, but he believed that opportunity had not been used.
He also commented on protests involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others over the Chief Election Commissioner. Chirag said asking questions and seeking answers were legitimate rights, but argued that protests should be aimed at resolving concerns through discussion rather than creating a commotion.
Asked about Yogi Adityanath’s earlier 80:20 political remark, Chirag said his party believed in inclusive politics.
The gathering brought together leaders from different political backgrounds to remember Paswan’s role in Indian politics, while Chirag’s remarks also signalled his party’s intention to build a wider political presence beyond its established strongholds.
