Patna: Speculation is mounting in Bihar over a possible merger between the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as political parties reposition themselves ahead of an anticipated cabinet expansion under the state’s new leadership.
Sources familiar with the developments suggest that the BJP has initiated discussions with RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha, with reports indicating that a proposal for the party’s merger has been put forward. The reported offer is said to include political assurances for Kushwaha’s son, Deepak Prakash, including a potential seat in the state’s legislative council and continuity in a ministerial role.
Deepak Prakash had earlier served as Bihar’s panchayati raj minister under the government led by Nitish Kumar, despite not being a member of either house of the state legislature at the time. His inclusion in the cabinet was viewed as key to maintaining the RLM’s presence in government following the 2025 state elections.
The political landscape in Bihar has shifted significantly since Kumar’s resignation, with Samrat Choudhary now heading the government. A cabinet expansion is expected soon, and political observers say the BJP is seeking to consolidate its position by recalibrating alliances and internal equations.
Adding to the uncertainty are reports of discontent within the RLM. Three of the party’s four MLAs are believed to be dissatisfied with the current leadership, according to sources, raising questions about the party’s internal cohesion. Such tensions are being cited as a possible factor behind the merger speculation.
Kushwaha, however, has dismissed the reports, describing them as routine political rumours. He said similar claims had surfaced in the past and denied any knowledge of a formal proposal, characterising the speculation as unfounded.
The situation is expected to become clearer after the cabinet expansion, which is likely to signal the direction of political alignments in the state.
