Patna: Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, one of the most prominent Dalit leaders, who had been a part of several governments headed by rival parties, was known to speak for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. Paswan, a kingmaker, known for his affable and indefatigable attitude shared warm equations with all political leaders despite differences in hues and ideologies. Also known as the 'political weathervane', Paswan's achievements not only helped him in building his image in Bihar but also a national profile.
The death of the political stalwart, who left an indelible impression on Dalit politics, has left a void in Bihar and national politics. He also worked immensely for the welfare of all sections of the society, unlike Kanshi Ram.
After Ram lost 1984 general elections from Hazipur, Paswan formed Dalit Sena which had the representation of the people from all sections in the society. It is, however, true that he had emerged as the messiah of the people belonging to his own caste of Dusadh or Paswan who constitutes 5 per cent share among 16 per cent total Dalit population in the state.
His hard work and diligence hardcore followers, especially his caste men, started resembling him with Asmaan (Sky). They used to raise a slogan like ‘Upar Asmaan, neeche Paswan'.
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EMERGENCE AS A POLITICAL LEADER
Paswan started his political career after enrolling himself as a member of the Samukta Socialist Party (SSP) in the sixties. At the age of 23, he contested assembly poll in 1969 from Alauli seat under Khagaria district and emerged victorious. And after that, there was no looking back.
Soft-spoken Paswan won Lok Sabha for nine times- 8 times from Hazipur and once from Rosera in 1991 twice and became the member of the upper house of the Parliament twice.
He also served as a Union Minister and member of the Rajya Sabha. He had formed a new political outfit in 2000 namely Lok JanShakti Party after distancing himself from the Janta Dal.
GAVE TICKETS TO CRIMINALS
However, Paswan was criticized for promoting nepotism and bringing hardcore criminals in politics. All his family members including his three brothers, son, nephew and dozens of close relatives are members of Lao Sabha and assemblies. He brazenly inducted hardcore criminals into his party, gave them tickets for Lok sabha and assemblies. Defending their induction Paswan once told media persons “ They are not criminals but tigers. I have recruited them in my party to beat the parties of my enemies”.
In terms of political clout, late Jagjivan Ram and Kanshi Ram respectively were relatively stronger than Paswan. However, Ram Vilas Paswan continued as an undisputed leader among his caste men in Bihar. Paswan can be described as the most successful leader to emerge from a Dalit community in Bihar to influence state politics. And in the last 50 years, none of the leaders in post-independence India could match Ram Vilas Paswan's 'weathervane capabilities'. Lalu Yadav used to call him as ‘Mausam Bigyaneek’.
Political analysts have agreed that he was the smartest in switching alliances seamlessly during elections. He himself told, “My political judgment was wrong only once during 2009 general elections throwing me out of power for five years”.
It is evident from the fact that due to his strong weathervane he continued as member in the cabinet of six prime ministers starting from VP Singh to Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Even after being a Union government, Paswan used to play an active role in Bihar politics. He enacted a key role in removing 15-year-rule of Lalu Yadav in 2005 and ensuring chief ministerial chair to Nitish Kumar.
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In 2004 Lok Sabha polls, Lalu Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan were under the UPA umbrella which was voted to power. Yadav insisted on the railway ministry and got it. Paswan too was eyeing for the same lucrative ministry. He felt humiliated and vowed to avenge this humiliation in days to come. He also refused to be part of the Man Mohan Singh Government but on the persuasion of V P Singh, he got into the cabinet.
When Bihar witnessed assembly elections in the same year, Paswan fielded LJP candidates against RJD nominees and won 29 seats. The Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) of Lalu Yadav which had 75 MLAs and was the single largest party failed to form the government. Paswan refused to support Lalu Yadav causing imposition of president rule in the state. Nitish Kumar-led NDA came into power when the assembly elections held in October-November same year.
It appears that Chirag Paswan is trying to do the same to Nitish Kumar in the ongoing assembly poll what his late father did to Lalu Yadav in February 2005 elections. He also has vowed to ensure the defeat of the candidates of Nitish Kumar. He has announced to put up candidates against all the 122 nominees of Janta Dal-United. Has already put up 42 ones in 71 constituencies, which are going to poll in the first phase on October 28.
Chirag is said to have been suggested by his father of taking the risk in the politics. Senior Paswan used to say that one cannot gain without taking a risk. But Chirag Paswan still has a long way to go and establish his stature as a great politician. Ram Vilas Paswan was deeply influenced by the Tamil Nadu revolutionary leader E V Ramaswamy commonly known as Periyar. Also, he was a follower of Ram Manohar Lohia and adopted the philosophy of B R Ambedkar to carry forward his politics.
