New Delhi: Pashupati Kumar Paras has assumed charge of the Ministry of Food Processing in New Delhi today. The LJP leader was appointed as a cabinet minister in yesterday evening's cabinet reshuffle.
Speaking to Etv Bharat in his office, the newly appointed cabinet minister has said that he will set up factories in the states where there is more production of food grains so that the farmers and locals can get maximum benefits and employment. He also said the North Bihar will also get his special attention as this region is known for its production of litchis, corns, mangoes, etc. He will also emphasise increasing the processing of fruits and vegetables as several food parks are being developed in the country to increase the market for processed foods.
On the question of Late Ram Vilas Paswan's successor in the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), Pashupati Kumar Paras said that Late Ram Villas Paswan was his elder brother and he is his political successor. He added that when Ram Vilas Ji became an MLA in Bihar for the first time in 1969 and he became the MP in 1977, he gave his assembly constituency to me. He further added that he has served as the MLA in Bihar seven times and minister four times.
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Pashupati Kumar Paras also said the Ram Vilas Ji was the MP from Hajipur many times. In the 2019, Lok Sabha elections, Ram Vilas Ji left his seat and became a Rajya Sabha MP. He left his parliamentary constituency to me and I contested the election from Hajipur and I won. I became a cabinet minister from the LJP quota after Ram Vilas Paswan.
On the question of his recent issues with Chirag Paswan, he said that Chirag is the son of Ram Vilas Paswan but he does not have a political heir. He is the owner of Ram Vilas Ji's property.
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A few days ago, Lok Janshakti Party founded by Ram Villas Paswan, was broken into two factions. Pashupati Kumar Paras along with 5 MPs separated from the party. The LJP MPs made Pashupati Paras the leader of the parliamentary party and also declared him the party's National President. Whereas, Chirag Paswan along with his faction called a meeting of the National Executive and declared himself as the National President. Both factions are staking a claim as the real LJP. The matter is currently with the Election Commission.
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