NDA's MLC Elections in Bihar Spark Debate on Political Influence and Future of Cabinet Minister

The legislative council (MLC) elections in Bihar, scheduled for 18 June, have sparked a new debate not only on the arithmetic of seats but also on the balance of power within the NDA. The most talked about issues are the political future of cabinet minister Deepak Prakash and the current political status of Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha. With Deepak Prakash's name missing from the list of MLC candidates, questions are being raised in political circles whether he may have to step down as a minister. In fact, elections are to be held for 10 seats in the Bihar legislative council. Given the current strength in the Bihar assembly, the NDA is almost certain to win 9 out of 10 seats. In such a situation, ticket distribution has become not just an electoral process, but also an indicator of political influence within the alliance. The BJP has announced its four candidates for the MLC elections. The Janata Dal United (JDU) has also decided the names of four candidates, while the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) has got one seat. According to the NDA's constitutional list, Prakash's name has also been discussed in the absence of any minister.