Deepak Prakash Likely to Be MLC from Mangal Pandey’s Seat, Uncertainty Looms Over Upendra Kushwaha’s Future

Patna (Bihar): In a significant political development from Bihar, Deepak Prakash, son of senior politician Upendra Kushwaha, is reportedly set to be appointed as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) from the seat vacated by Mangal Pandey. This move would secure his position as Minister of Panchayati Raj in the Nitish Kumar-led state government. However, questions about Upendra Kushwaha’s own political future remain.

Deepak Prakash to Enter Bihar Legislative Council

Deepak Prakash, who was recently appointed as Panchayati Raj Minister without being a member of any legislative house, is required by law to become a member of either the Legislative Assembly or Council within six months. Since his entry into the Assembly is highly unlikely, the BJP plans to send him to the Legislative Council (MLC).

Currently, two seats in the Bihar Legislative Council under the BJP quota have become vacant. One belonged to Samrat Chaudhary, now elected as an MLA from Tarapur and appointed Deputy CM of Bihar. The second vacant seat is Mangal Pandey’s, who is now an MLA from Siwan and a minister in the state cabinet. It is widely expected that Deepak Prakash will take Mangal Pandey’s MLC seat after the Kharmaas period, ensuring his ministerial tenure is secured.

Political Calculus for Upendra Kushwaha

While this arrangement secures Deepak Prakash’s future, uncertainty persists for Upendra Kushwaha himself. Kushwaha is currently a Member of the Rajya Sabha, with his term ending in April 2026, just four months away. Political insiders speculate whether the BJP will nominate him for another Rajya Sabha term. Traditionally, the party reserves such opportunities for rarely recurring leaders, which adds a layer of uncertainty for Kushwaha.

Strategic Seat Sharing

Deepak Prakash’s nomination as MLC from Mangal Pandey’s seat was reportedly part of a pre-election seat-sharing deal between the BJP and Upendra Kushwaha. If executed, it would not only cement his ministerial position but also stabilize the BJP’s alliance calculations in Bihar ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.