Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar Chief Minister for the tenth time, and 26 ministers also joined the new cabinet. A surprising name in the list was Deepak Prakash, who became a minister even though he did not contest the election. This move has created strong political interest, and the role of the Deepak Prakash Bihar cabinet decision is now widely discussed.
Deepak Prakash is the son of senior Bihar leader Upendra Kushwaha. Many people may not know Deepak, but they surely know Kushwaha, who leads the powerful Luv-Kush community. This group includes OBC Kurmi and OBC Kushwaha communities and has strong influence in Bihar. Kushwaha’s party, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), won six seats and secured important support for the NDA.
Upendra Kushwaha chose his son for the minister post instead of his elected MLAs. Deepak Prakash must become an MLA or MLC within six months to continue in the position. RLM won Bajpatti, Madhubani, Sasaram, and Dinara seats with good margins. Kushwaha’s wife, Snehlata, also won from Sasaram.
With his son as minister and his wife in the assembly, Kushwaha has strengthened his political family’s presence in Bihar.
