On October 13, 1999, Padma Bhushan Ram Vilas Paswan became the Cabinet Minister of the Department of Telecommunications in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government, while being a Member of Parliament from the Janata Dal. His victory from the Hajipur constituency and his deep concern for the development of marginalized communities, including the backward, minority, and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe groups, fueled his determination to advocate for their progress within the government. He tirelessly worked to amplify their voices by seeking increased representation through Members of Parliament and Legislators.
In fact, Ram Vilas Paswan had understood from his extensive experience in the Janata Dal that the power to grant tickets to his supporters could only come when he had his own political party
Instead of relying on alliances or platforms of others, he decided to form his own party. On November 28, 2000, he announced the formation of his new political party, the Lok Janshakti Party, from Delhi’s Ramleela Maidan. That day was historic for his supporters, as the venue was filled with a massive crowd and the announcement was welcomed with thunderous applause and cheers. Alongside Paswan were prominent leaders including Jai Narayan Nishad, Ramesh Jigajinagi, Ramchandra Paswan, Abdul Gaffur, and Ramveer Singh Bidhuri.
In his presidential speech, Paswan clarified that the ideological foundation of the party would be based on Social Justice. He declared that the party would work for the poor, marginalized, oppressed, Dalits, minorities, and backward classes. He raised the historic slogan, “We are going to light a lamp in the house that has been in darkness for centuries.”
He emphasized that the party would function within the framework of Parliamentary Democracy and raise the voices of the poor, marginalized, minorities, and oppressed sections in both Parliament and State Legislatures, ensuring their rights and drawing the attention of the government and the nation.
After the formation of the party, a unique party constitution was created. Its preamble declared complete faith in the Constitution of India and commitment to the principles of Socialism, Secularism, Democracy, Unity, Sovereignty, and Integrity of India.
The constitution stated that the Lok Janshakti Party is committed to the empowerment of the poor and aims to build a nation free from economic, social, political, and religious oppression. After formation, Ram Vilas Paswan was elected as the National President. Other leaders included Captain Jai Narayan Nishad, Ramesh Jigajinagi, and Abdul Ghafoor.
The constitution stated that the Lok Janshakti Party is committed to the empowerment of the poor and aims to build a nation free from economic, social, political, and religious oppression. After formation, Ram Vilas Paswan was elected as the National President. Other leaders included Captain Jai Narayan Nishad, Ramesh Jigajinagi, and Abdul Ghafoor.
Paswan worked tirelessly for the next two years to strengthen the party. He received strong support from his vote base and the Dalit Sena, which played a major role in building the party’s foundation at the national level.
His primary goal was to expand and strengthen the organization. He organized worker conventions, training programs, rallies, demonstrations, and public meetings from district to national level, significantly increasing the party’s political presence and popularity.
Within just a few years, the Lok Janshakti Party established its identity. Today, the party is known as Lok Jansshakti Party (Ram Vilas). Its election symbol is the Helicopter, and its flag has Blue, Red, and Green horizontal stripes.
Currently, the party is led by National President Chirag Paswan, with Abdul Khaliq as the Chief General Secretary. The party has several national wings including Youth Wing, Minority Wing, Women’s Wing, Labour Wing, Legal Wing, Farmers’ Wing, Student Wing, SC/ST Wing, IT Wing, Panchayati Raj Wing, and Medical Wing, with organizational presence across all states of India.
