Bihar’s new cabinet, sworn in with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar securing his tenth term, features a notable inclusion: Deepak Prakash, son of prominent leader Upendra Kushwaha. Representing the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), Deepak has been appointed as a minister without having contested the recent Assembly elections. This move marks his significant political debut.
Deepak comes from a strong political lineage. His father, Upendra Kushwaha, is a seasoned politician, currently serving as a Rajya Sabha MP and formerly holding positions as a Union minister and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. His mother, Sneh Lata Kushwaha, recently secured a decisive victory in the Sasaram Assembly seat, further solidifying the family’s political influence.
Initially, there was speculation about Sneh Lata’s potential ministerial role. However, strategic discussions within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Upendra Kushwaha’s political standing led to the decision to elevate his son, Deepak, to the cabinet. This appointment necessitates Deepak becoming a member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly or Council within six months, with reports suggesting a nomination to the Legislative Council is imminent.
Political observers view Deepak’s induction as a calculated move to strengthen the Luv-Kush (Kurmi-Kushwaha) vote bank, a crucial demographic for the NDA. Both Nitish Kumar and Upendra Kushwaha are influential figures from this community, and Deepak’s inclusion ensures their continued representation at the state government level.
This ministerial role signifies a consolidation of political power for the Kushwaha family. Following a challenging 2024 Lok Sabha election where Upendra lost the Karakat seat, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha with NDA backing. His wife’s recent electoral success, coupled with their son’s cabinet entry, establishes a powerful political triad for the family.
The RLM, a coalition partner in the NDA, contested six seats and secured four in the recent elections, a comeback for Upendra Kushwaha. Despite a history of shifting alliances and electoral setbacks, including a previous stint with the Grand Alliance and an independent bid, his re-entry into the NDA and the formation of RLM have revitalized his political career, culminating in his family’s enhanced influence in Bihar’s political landscape.