Upendra Kushwaha Reminds BJP of Rajya Sabha Promise Amid Intense Lobbying for Bihar Seats
In Patna, amidst significant uncertainty surrounding his political trajectory, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) president and current Rajya Sabha member Upendra Kushwaha strategically reminded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday of a crucial "promise" made to him in previous discussions. While deliberately choosing not to reveal specific details, Kushwaha characterized this commitment as an internal matter within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This development unfolds as intense lobbying for parliamentary seats has commenced across Bihar, following the Election Commission's official announcement of the Rajya Sabha election schedule this past Thursday.
Five Vacancies Trigger Political Maneuvering in Bihar
The electoral landscape in Bihar has been activated with five Rajya Sabha vacancies scheduled to arise from the state in April. The NDA, holding a commanding numerical strength in the state assembly, is positioned to secure nearly all these seats. Although the alliance has not yet finalized its official list of candidates for the Upper House of Parliament, subtle yet determined efforts are already underway by various political leaders to stake their claims and influence the selection process.
In a particularly noteworthy turn of events, Upendra Kushwaha—whose current Rajya Sabha tenure is set to conclude in April—has subtly but firmly pressed his claim for re-nomination. He explicitly recalled discussions held with the BJP leadership, which apparently took place during the critical seat-sharing negotiations ahead of the recently concluded Bihar assembly elections. Under that agreement, the RLM contested and successfully won four out of the six assembly seats allotted to the party.
Kushwaha's Strategic Statements and Party Support
When questioned by journalists on Saturday about his potential return to the Rajya Sabha, Kushwaha provided a carefully measured response. "Although it's an internal matter of the NDA, it must be explained for what reasons I was promised the Rajya Sabha berth," he stated, directly invoking the past assurance. Pressed further on whether he actively aspires to be nominated again, Kushwaha replied with a rhetorical question: "Should I ask you if you wish to become the head of the organisation you are working for?" He emphasized that the final decision would be reached collectively through alliance discussions.
Even as the RLM chief maintained an air of ambiguity regarding his "next action," the party's state spokesperson, Ram Pukar Sinha, articulated a clear and forceful position. "We have a genuine claim for the Rajya Sabha seat, and Upendra Kushwaha should be re-elected to the Rajya Sabha," Sinha asserted. He clarified that the RLM remains a committed constituent of the NDA and referenced a specific understanding reached during seat-sharing talks for the 2025 Bihar assembly elections.
"During the seat-sharing deal for the 2025 assembly elections, it was agreed with the BJP that our party would get one Rajya Sabha and one legislative council berth," Sinha explained. "On the basis of this condition, our leader Upendra Kushwaha should be sent to the Rajya Sabha this time also." This statement underscores the party's view that the promise is both valid and binding.
Overview of Retiring Members and Electoral Mathematics
The five impending Rajya Sabha vacancies from Bihar result from the retirement of the following members in April:
- Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh
- Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur (JD-U)
- Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha (RLM)
- Prem Chand Gupta (RJD)
- Amarendra Dhari Singh (RJD)
Given the current numerical composition of the Bihar state assembly, the victory of any candidate nominated by the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) appears highly uncertain. In contrast, NDA leaders have consistently expressed confidence in winning all five seats, citing potential support from certain opposition members as a reinforcing factor. This political calculus sets the stage for a decisive and potentially contentious nomination process within the ruling alliance.
