NEW DELHI: Union minister Chirag Paswan on Saturday rued what he alleged were “misgivings” being spread within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) that he wants to be the next chief minister of Bihar.Paswan’s remark comes amid buzz that he could contest the Bihar assembly elections, likely to be held in November.Also Read | ‘Don’t see myself in national politics for long’: Chirag Paswan on contesting Bihar assembly polls“Let me make one thing very clear that if I contest the assembly polls, it would be only to ensure a better strike rate for my party, which would help the NDA. I am sorry to see attempts being made within the coalition to create misgivings that I have set my eyes on the chief minister’s chair,” the Hajipur MP told reporters in Patna, according to news agency PTI.“Whether or not I will contest the polls is a decision that would be taken by my party’s parliamentary board. Even if I do, it will not be something extraordinary. Even the BJP has often got its leaders with a national footprint to contest state polls,” he added.Further, the actor-turned-politician predicted that after the elections, the NDA would form its “strongest government ever” in Bihar, under the leadership of chief minister Nitish Kumar.Speculations are rife that the 42-year-old, whom his party wants to contest from an unreserved constituency, could choose an assembly seat in the Shahabad region comprising Bhojpur and adjoining districts.The Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is among the constituents of the state’s ruling NDA. The coalition is headed for a straight fight with the opposition Mahagathbandhan.
