Modi–Nitish Magic’: RJD Targets New Minister Deepak Prakash; Social Media Reminds Party of Rabri Devi Episode

A day after Deepak Prakash—son of former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha—took charge as Bihar’s Panchayati Raj Minister, the RJD launched a sharp political attack on him. The party mocked his rise, claiming that he had jumped “straight from being a counting agent of an Independent candidate to becoming a Cabinet minister.”

RJD Calls It ‘Modi–Nitish Magic’

Taking to social media, the RJD posted a sarcastic remark, saying:

“Deepak Prakash, who served as the counting agent for Independent candidate Ramnarayan Paswan in Sasaram, has become a minister in the Nitish government without contesting elections. Isn’t this Modi–Nitish magic? What more development does Bihar need now?”

Prakash currently holds no membership in either House of the Bihar Legislature.

Viral I-Card Sparks Controversy

The controversy erupted after an image of Deepak Prakash’s counting agent identity card for Independent candidate Ramnarayan Paswan went viral on social media. Paswan had secured just 327 votes in the election.

This became the basis for RJD’s criticism—suggesting that someone with no electoral experience and who acted as an agent for a losing Independent candidate had been elevated to a Cabinet post.

Independent Candidate Confirms the Claim

While Minister Deepak Prakash expressed ignorance about the viral image, Independent candidate Ramnarayan Paswan confirmed the entire incident and even expressed happiness over it.

“I never imagined that the person who was my counting agent would one day become a minister,” Paswan said. He added that he called Prakash to personally congratulate him.

Paswan further clarified that Deepak Prakash agreed to become his counting agent because Paswan had supported Prakash’s mother, Snehlata Kushwaha, who won the Sasaram seat by over 25,000 votes.

Social Media Users Hit Back at RJD

Although the RJD mocked Prakash’s appointment, social media users were quick to counter the criticism, reminding the party of its own political history.

Users pointed out that:

• When Rabri Devi became Chief Minister in July 1997, she too was not a member of any House.
• Many questioned whether RJD, at that time, lacked any leader who was “worthy enough” to serve as CM.
• Others argued that appointing a non-member to a ministerial position is neither new nor unconstitutional and has occurred multiple times in Indian politics.

One user wrote:
“If Rabri Devi could become Chief Minister without being a member of the House, why target Deepak Prakash now? RJD has no moral right to criticize.”

Political Tempers Rising in Bihar

With the new Nitish-led NDA government only recently formed, the episode has already ignited political rhetoric. While RJD sees Deepak Prakash’s elevation as an example of political favouritism, supporters argue that similar precedents existed in the past and that the Constitution allows such appointments.

The debate, amplified on social media, signals that Bihar’s political turf war is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.