Kushwaha Resists BJP Merger Push Amid Son's Ministerial Uncertainty in Bihar

Bihar's political landscape is currently gripped by a significant power tussle, with Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha at its epicenter. Kushwaha is actively pushing back against persistent overtures from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to merge his party into the saffron fold. This resistance is unfolding against the backdrop of a critical challenge for his son, Deepak Prakash, who is on the verge of losing his position as Panchayati Raj Minister in the Bihar government. Prakash was conspicuously absent from the list of nine candidates nominated by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the biennial Legislative Council elections, held on June 18.

Under constitutional provisions, Deepak Prakash, who was sworn in as a minister on May 7, must secure election to either the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council within six months to retain his cabinet berth. With nominations for the Legislative Council now closed and no other immediate vacancies available until March 2027, the path for Prakash to continue in his ministerial role appears increasingly narrow.

Speculation regarding a potential merger between the RLM and BJP has been rife within Bihar's political circles for several months. Reports suggest that the BJP had extended an offer to Upendra Kushwaha, proposing a merger that reportedly included assurances of a legislative council seat and a continued ministerial position for his son, Deepak Prakash. However, Kushwaha has unequivocally rejected these proposals, citing fundamental ideological differences between the RLM and the BJP. Addressing a state conclave in Patna, Kushwaha firmly stated, 'The question of merger does not arise.' He has, however, consistently affirmed RLM's commitment as a 'strong ally' within the NDA, emphasizing the necessity of alliances in a democracy despite ideological distinctions to unite people on a common platform for Bihar's welfare and social justice.

Adding another layer of complexity to the narrative, BJP sources have reportedly claimed that Kushwaha's renomination to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year was contingent upon an assurance that he would eventually merge the RLM with the BJP. This assertion, if true, highlights a deeper strategic play by the BJP to consolidate its position in the state, potentially at the cost of its allies' independent identities. Kushwaha, for his part, appears steadfast in his resolve to maintain RLM's distinct political identity.

Deepak Prakash's entry into the Bihar cabinet in November 2025, initially under former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and later reaffirmed in the Samrat Choudhary government, was itself a subject of considerable controversy. He was appointed Panchayati Raj Minister despite not being an elected member of either house of the legislature. This move was largely seen as a 'last-minute' decision by Upendra Kushwaha, reportedly met with initial reluctance from both Nitish Kumar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The appointment quickly ignited accusations of 'dynastic politics,' leading to significant internal dissent within the RLM. Seven senior party members, including the state president Mahendra Kushwaha and vice-president Jitendra Nath, resigned in protest, accusing the party chief of prioritizing family over socialist principles. Upendra Kushwaha, in defense of his son, highlighted Deepak's qualifications as a 'qualified computer engineer,' asserting his merit.

The broader political shifts in Bihar, particularly after Nitish Kumar's resignation and Samrat Choudhary's elevation to the Chief Ministership, have also contributed to the current tensions. A cabinet expansion was anticipated, with the BJP keen on recalibrating alliances and internal equations to strengthen its foothold. There have also been reports of dissatisfaction among three of the four RLM MLAs regarding the party's leadership, further fueling the merger speculation. Political analysts suggest that Kushwaha's bargaining power might have diminished following Samrat Choudhary's ascent. Adding another dimension, a Supreme Court petition has challenged Deepak Prakash's reappointment under Article 164(4), arguing that this constitutional concession for non-legislators should be a limited, one-time provision, not a loophole for repeated reappointments.

The Rashtriya Lok Morcha, founded by Upendra Kushwaha on February 20, 2023, after his departure from Janata Dal (United), espouses an ideology rooted in nationalism, secularism, and fair representation, championing social justice and inclusive development aligned with the ideals of Karpoori Thakur. The party, while a component of the NDA, contested six seats in the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, winning four. The ongoing standoff highlights the delicate balance of power within the NDA and the challenges faced by smaller allies in maintaining their autonomy amidst the aspirations of larger parties. While Kushwaha has publicly dismissed any intent to sever ties with the NDA over his son's denied ticket, the situation signals a period of heightened political uncertainty and negotiation within the alliance in Bihar.