Upendra Kushwaha Defends Son's Cabinet Appointment: Qualifications Over Family Connections in Bihar Politics

Deepak Prakash, who did not participate in the recent Bihar Assembly elections, has become the center of political discussion after his cabinet appointment.

Patna:

Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief and former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha has strongly defended the appointment of his son, Deepak Prakash, to the Bihar Cabinet. Kushwaha emphasized that his son is a qualified computer engineer with appropriate credentials for the position.

Addressing criticism through a social media post that appeared to reference RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Kushwaha dismissed allegations against Prakash as "malicious and prejudiced." He argued that ministerial qualifications should be based on capability and ability rather than family connections or caste background.

"Deepak Prakash is not a school dropout. He has diligently pursued his education, earning a computer science engineering degree and inheriting important values from his family. Give him time to demonstrate his capabilities. He will meet your expectations and earn your trust," Kushwaha stated in his defense.

Prakash was sworn in as the only RLM minister in Nitish Kumar's government on Thursday in a ceremony conducted by Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. It's notable that Prakash is not currently a member of the state legislature.

Kushwaha, who secured a Rajya Sabha seat with BJP's support after placing third in the Karakat constituency during last year's general elections, expressed regret about his previous "suicidal" decision to merge his Rashtriya Lok Samta Party with Nitish Kumar's JD(U) some years ago. Before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he established the RLM.

"Regardless of criticism I may face, this step was essential to preserve and secure the party's future existence," he explained.

He acknowledged that while some criticism is constructive, prejudice should not influence public opinion.

"Since yesterday, I've been monitoring reactions to our party's decision. Some criticisms are constructive, while others are tainted with prejudice. I deeply respect constructive criticism as it provides valuable lessons and fosters growth," he wrote.

Recognizing that accusations of nepotism would inevitably follow, Kushwaha stated he made a difficult but necessary decision for his party's future.

"The churning of the ocean produces both nectar and poison. Some must drink the poison. My current decision will lead to nepotism accusations, yet I made this choice," he added.

Kushwaha concluded by emphasizing his determination to preserve the party and respond to what he characterized as biased criticism.