Deepak Prakash Joins Nitish Kumar’s Cabinet as Surprise Minister

Bihar’s political landscape shifted on November 20, 2023, when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took the oath of office for a record tenth time. Alongside him, twenty-six ministers were sworn in, but one name in particular created a stir: Deepak Prakash. The son of Upendra Kushwaha, a member of the Rajya Sabha, Prakash’s appointment as the only minister from the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) surprised many observers since he is not a member of either the Bihar Legislative Assembly or the Bihar Legislative Council.

The buzz surrounding Prakash’s inclusion intensified as many had anticipated a different candidate, particularly Kushwaha’s wife, Snehlata, who secured victory in the Sasaram constituency. The choice of Prakash, a relatively unknown figure, has raised eyebrows among political analysts in Patna. The RLM contested six seats in the recent Bihar elections, winning four: Bajpatti, Madhubani, Sasaram, and Dinara. This success bolstered Kushwaha’s standing within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

A New Face in a Long-Standing Administration

Chief Minister Kumar has maintained a grip on power for nearly two decades. His new cabinet features several familiar faces from the Janata Dal (United) (JDU) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), yet it also introduces ten fresh names to balance caste representation and local dynamics. Prakash stands out among these new entrants.

Described by sources within the RLM as a reserved individual, Prakash has limited visibility in political circles. He recently returned from studies abroad and expressed surprise at his cabinet appointment, stating, “My father is my inspiration. That is why I chose politics. The news of my inclusion in the cabinet came as a surprise for me too.”

Kushwaha has articulated his support for youth leadership, emphasizing the need for younger individuals to engage in politics. He remarked, “We have always supported the need for youth to come forward. They hold greater capacity for work. This strength must be used in every field. Politics also needs the same energy.”

Under the current political regulations, Prakash is required to enter one house of the state legislature within six months, which could mean a potential appointment as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). This scenario could benefit Kushwaha, who is keen to strengthen his influence further.

Nitish Kumar’s Cabinet: A Blend of Experience and New Talent

Kumar’s newly formed cabinet reflects a mix of both experienced and new figures. Returning ministers from the BJP include Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, who both served as deputy chief ministers in the previous administration. The cabinet also sees the return of four former ministers, including Mangal Pandey and Pramod Kumar.

Additionally, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), another NDA partner, reinstated Santosh Kumar Suman, the son of former Chief Minister and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. New faces such as shooter-turned-politician Shreyasi Singh and Ram Kripal Yadav have also been included, bringing fresh perspectives to the cabinet.

The social composition of the cabinet is diverse, with eight ministers from upper castes, five from Dalit groups, one from the Muslim community, and thirteen from Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC). The cabinet is capped at 36 ministers, including the chief minister, and currently comprises 27 members.

The NDA performed strongly in the recent elections, securing over 202 of the 243 seats available. The BJP and JDU achieved significant victories, with 89 and 85 seats, respectively. In contrast, the opposition coalition, the Mahagathbandhan (MGB), led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal, garnered only 35 seats.

As Bihar navigates its political future, Deepak Prakash’s unexpected rise may signal new dynamics within the state’s governance, especially as he represents a generational shift in leadership.