Lok Janshakti Party: A Bihar-centric Dalit Force The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), a Bihar-based political party, emerged in 2000 following Ram Vilas Paswan's departure from the Janata Dal. Initially garnering significant support among Dalit communities in Bihar, the LJP's influence stemmed from Paswan's leadership and his focus on social justice and welfare schemes targeting marginalized groups. The party's ideology blended elements of social justice, populism, and a pragmatic approach to coalition politics. Key leaders included Ram Vilas Paswan and his family members, who played crucial roles in shaping the party's trajectory. The LJP advocated for the upliftment of Dalits and other backward classes, promoting reservation policies and seeking to address social and economic inequalities. While the party enjoyed periods of electoral success in Bihar, securing parliamentary and assembly seats, its performance fluctuated. Post-Paswan's demise, the party fractured into factions, notably the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party, significantly impacting its electoral standing. The LJP's legacy is intertwined with Paswan's influence in Bihar's political landscape, though its future remains uncertain due to the internal divisions. The party's core principle of Dalit empowerment, though, continues to be relevant in Bihar's political discourse.