The political future of the Kushwaha family is facing uncertainty in Bihar as three out of the four Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), a party founded and led by Upendra Kushwaha, appear to be in revolt. This development casts a shadow over the stability of the RLM and its role within the state's political landscape.
The seeds of discontent were sown late last year when Upendra Kushwaha inducted his son, Deepak Prakash, into the Bihar Cabinet as the Panchayati Raj Minister. This decision triggered a wave of resignations from within the party, with prominent leaders accusing Kushwaha of promoting dynastic politics, a practice locally referred to as "Pariwarwaad". Critics argued that this move contradicted the party's socialist principles and demonstrated a preference for family over merit.
Specifically, seven members of the RLM resigned in November 2025, including state party president Mahendra Kushwaha and vice-president Jitendra Nath. These leaders voiced their disillusionment, stating that Kushwaha's actions mirrored those of other leaders who prioritize their families. Rahul Kumar, another dissenting voice, questioned the difference between Kushwaha and leaders accused of only promoting their family.
Upendra Kushwaha defended his decision by stating that he made a tough choice for the party. He likened the situation to "Samudra Manthan" (churning of the ocean), a Hindu mythological event that produces both nectar and poison, suggesting that while his decision might be perceived negatively, it was necessary for the party's benefit. He acknowledged that his choice would lead to accusations of dynastic politics but maintained that he made the decision with the party's interests in mind.
The current unrest, with three of the four MLAs seemingly in revolt, further deepens the crisis within the RLM. The party's strength in the Bihar Assembly is now significantly weakened, potentially impacting its ability to influence policy and represent its constituents effectively. The future of Deepak Prakash as the Panchayati Raj Minister also hangs in the balance, as his position becomes increasingly precarious with the growing dissent within his own party.
The developments within the RLM raise questions about the party's stability and future direction. Whether Upendra Kushwaha can quell the internal rebellion and maintain control over his party remains to be seen. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of the RLM and the Kushwaha family's political influence in Bihar.
