New Delhi, October 7 (Daily Kiran) : Ram Vilas Paswan, a prominent figure in Indian politics, is remembered for his remarkable ability to navigate the shifting political landscape. His influence stretched from Bihar to the national arena, earning him recognition as a master strategist. Renowned for his political acumen, he was dubbed the “weather scientist of politics” by Lalu Prasad Yadav, the president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), due to his knack for aligning with various parties and coalitions.
As we observe the anniversary of his passing on October 8, 2020, Paswan’s extensive political journey comes to the forefront. He served as a central minister under six prime ministers, reflecting his deep ties to Bihar’s politics, Dalit representation, and the changing dynamics of power in India. Born on July 5, 1946, in Khagaria, Bihar, Paswan hailed from a Dalit family. He pursued a law degree at Kosi College in Khagaria and later earned a master’s degree in arts from Patna University.
Before entering politics, Paswan worked as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in Bihar. However, he soon shifted his focus to politics, winning a seat in the Bihar Legislative Assembly in 1969 as a member of the Samyukta Socialist Party. This marked the beginning of a political career that would see him become a significant figure from Bihar to Delhi.
In 1974, he became the General Secretary of the Lok Dal. The following year, during the Emergency, he was imprisoned for 21 months. After his release in 1977, he contested the Lok Sabha elections from Hajipur on a Janata Party ticket, achieving a historic victory with the largest margin of votes at that time. He continued to win from Hajipur in 1980 and 1984, solidifying his political base.
In 1983, Paswan founded the “Dalit Sena,” aimed at advocating for the welfare of the Dalit community. Later renamed the Scheduled Caste Sena, this organization played a pivotal role in his political journey. After parting ways with the Janata Dal, he established the Lok Jan Shakti Party (LJP), further enhancing his political identity beyond Bihar while maintaining a significant presence in national politics.
One of the most notable aspects of Paswan’s career was his ability to serve as a central minister across six different prime ministers: V.P. Singh, H.D. Deve Gowda, I.K. Gujral, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi. His adaptability to changing governments showcased his enduring influence in national politics, a trait that earned him the moniker of “weather scientist” from Lalu Yadav.
The 2005 Bihar Assembly elections marked a significant moment in his political journey. At that time, Rabri Devi was the Chief Minister. The RJD emerged as the largest party but struggled to form a government. Paswan’s LJP played a crucial role, as the party’s support could sway the power dynamics. He challenged Lalu Yadav to appoint a Muslim leader as Chief Minister if he was truly committed to their welfare, but this proposal was rejected, leading to a demand for President’s rule in the state.
Throughout his career, Paswan was seen as a leader adept at understanding political shifts. However, in 2009, he miscalculated the political winds by aligning with Lalu Prasad Yadav, resulting in a defeat from his traditional Hajipur seat. Despite this setback, he returned to Parliament the following year through the Rajya Sabha, backed by support from the RJD and Congress.
Paswan’s legacy transcends mere electoral victories. Rising from a Dalit family in Bihar, he carved out a significant role in both state and national politics, influencing various central governments over the decades. His contributions were recognized posthumously in 2021 when he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor.
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