Ram Vilas Paswan campaigns for son Chirag in Jamui

LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan has taken personal charge of his son Chirag's campaign in Jamui parliamentary seat as it has become a "prestige seat" for him.

"Ram Vilas Paswan is working hard as his personal stake is high. The election battle in Jamui is seen as a challenge for him, thanks to presence of his son Chirag in the field," a Lok Janshakti Party leader said.

Jamui is a reserved constituency and falls in Maoists affected district. It goes to polls April 10.

"Jamui has become a prestige seat for him (Ram Vilas Paswan)," another LJP leader said.

Chirag is contesting against Bihar assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary of the Janata Dal-United and Sudhanshu Shekhar Bhaskar of the Rashtriya Janata Dal from Jamui reserved constituency.

Ram Vilas Paswan is himself contesting from Hajipur constituency, but he is giving less time to his Hajipur and spending more time in Jamui.

"Ram Vilas has thrown everything behind his son in Jamui. He is himself in command of campaign and camping there for the last few days. He will camp there till Wednesday," an LJP leader said.

According to LJP leaders, Ram Vilas Paswan has deployed top party leaders, including his brother and state LJP president Pasupati Kumar Paras, former party MP Suraj Bhan Singh, and former party legislator Maheshwar Singh in Jamui to manage his son's election.

Chirag, an actor turned politician, is contesting his first election. He is addressing eight to nine public meetings every day, besides holding road shows and visiting villages and meeting people at various places till late at night.

"Chirag is working 12 to 14 hours. He leaves for campaign early in the morning and returns late at night," LJP leader Mohd. Ashraf said.

The LJP joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in February, after a gap of 12 years, and is contesting seven of the 40 Lok Sabha seats of Bihar.

BJP president Rajnath Singh last week addressed an election meeting seeking vote for Chirag in Jamui.