Chirag Paswan's UP gamble: Why PM Modi's 'Hanuman' is flexing his muscle against allies

NEW DELHI: Chirag Paswan once described himself as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Hanuman". Six years later, the LJP (Ram Vilas) chief offered another approach of his politics: "I can stand up to my government ... I am in the alliance but I am not the BJP."This distinction becomes relevant as he prepares to take his party into the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly election. LJP(RV) has announced that it will contest the polls and is preparing for all 403 constituencies, while leaving open whether it will eventually contest alone or as part of an alliance.We want this to take the form of a legal right for the youth. Wherever exams are cancelled, students should receive reimbursement for their travel expenses, arrangements for their accommodation, and provisions for their food.