Patna – The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar is facing turbulence as a key ally, the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) led by Upendra Kushwaha, experiences a significant revolt within its ranks. Seven prominent leaders have resigned from the party, citing Kushwaha's alleged promotion of dynastic politics. This development has put a spotlight on the issue of family dominance in political parties, a criticism often leveled by the BJP against its rivals.

The resignations stem from Kushwaha's decision to favor his son, Deepak Prakash, for a ministerial post over the party's four elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Deepak Prakash is neither an MLA nor an MLC (Member of the Legislative Council). This decision has triggered accusations of Kushwaha prioritizing his family interests over the merit and seniority of party members.

Among those who have resigned are RLM state president Mahendra Kushwaha, along with state general secretaries and in-charges for various districts, including Rahul Kumar, Rajesh Ranjan Singh, Bipin Kumar Chourasia and Pramod Yadav. The Shekhpura district president, Pappu Mandal, has also stepped down.

Mahendra Kushwaha, the RLM state president, has sharply criticized Upendra Kushwaha, referring to the Rajya Sabha MP as a "fallen pillar of socialist politics". He accused Kushwaha of failing to uphold the moral values and ethics that he once espoused.

The RLM, as part of the NDA, contested six seats in the recent Bihar Assembly polls and won four. Following the NDA's victory, securing 202 of the state's 243 seats, the RLM was allocated one ministerial berth. The selection of Deepak Prakash, bypassing experienced MLAs, has ignited the current crisis.

This is not the first time Upendra Kushwaha has faced dissent within his party. In December 2018, the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), then led by Kushwaha, witnessed a similar revolt when all three of its members in the Bihar legislature declared their opposition to his decision to leave the NDA. Those members stated their wish to remain with the NDA, claiming they represented the "real RLSP" with majority support.

Kushwaha had previously served as the Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development but resigned from his post, accusing the BJP of betraying backward classes. He alleged that the BJP only offered "jumlas" (rhetoric) to Bihar. Prior to that, in 2013, Kushwaha formed the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party after a falling out with Nitish Kumar. The RLSP merged with Janata Dal (United) in 2021.

The current upheaval within the RLM raises questions about the stability of the NDA coalition in Bihar and the potential implications for governance in the state. The BJP leadership will be closely monitoring the situation as they navigate the complexities of coalition politics and address concerns about dynastic tendencies within their alliance.