Chas: In a fiercely fought contest that went down to the wire, Bholo Paswan scripted a commanding comeback in the Chas Municipal Corporation mayoral election, defeating BJP- and Congress-backed rivals to retain the top civic post for a second consecutive term.
The final tally, announced late Friday night, saw Paswan polling 17,796 votes, comfortably ahead of BJP-supported Avinash Kumar with 14,827 votes, while Congress-backed Jameel Akhtar finished third with 10,320 votes.
The verdict sent out a strong message: in municipal politics, performance can outweigh party might.
Grassroots Edge Over Political Muscle
A familiar figure in Chas civic life, Paswan first assumed office as mayor in 2015. Known for his hands-on approach and direct public outreach, he contested this election without formal backing from any major political party.
His campaign centred on governance and results. During his previous tenure, the Chas Municipal Corporation earned national recognition in cleanliness rankings — a milestone that became the core of his pitch to voters. Improvements in civic amenities, ward-level accessibility, and administrative responsiveness further strengthened his appeal.
Meanwhile, major political parties pulled out all stops. The BJP fielded strong organisational support, with Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth campaigning actively. Congress and JMM leaders also canvassed extensively across wards. Yet, the high-voltage campaign failed to eclipse Paswan’s local connect.
“Victory of Trust and Development”
Speaking after his win, an emotional Paswan credited the people of Chas for the mandate.
“This victory is not mine, but a victory for the trust and development of the great people of Chas. I am determined to fulfill the trust you have placed in me through development work. The elections are over, now is the time to work together. I assure you that solving the problems of every ward and every citizen of Chas will be my first priority.”
His remarks signalled a shift from campaign mode to governance, as he called for collective effort beyond political lines.
Midnight Celebrations
As results were declared, jubilant supporters gathered outside the counting centre, bursting firecrackers and raising slogans celebrating “Number One Chas.” The atmosphere turned festive well past midnight, marking what many described as a clear endorsement of development-focused politics.
With this victory, Bholo Paswan not only retains the mayor’s chair but also reinforces a growing narrative in urban local body politics — that sustained civic performance and grassroots engagement can trump party-backed campaigns.
