RLM Undergoes Major Organizational Reshuffle in Bihar
In a significant political development in Patna, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha announced a major organizational reshuffle on Friday, appointing Dinara MLA Alok Singh as the party's state president. This move comes at a crucial time for the party, which has been grappling with internal dissent and strategic repositioning.
New Leadership Structure Unveiled
Alongside Alok Singh's elevation to the top state position, Kushwaha named Prashant Pankaj and Subhash Chandravanshi as state executive presidents, creating a triumvirate of leadership at the state level. The appointments signal a fresh approach to party management and regional strategy.
Further strengthening the organizational framework, Himanshu Patel was designated as the state principal general secretary, while Madan Chaudhary received the prestigious appointment as RLM national vice-president. These strategic placements reflect Kushwaha's attempt to consolidate authority while distributing responsibilities among trusted associates.
Caste Dynamics and Political Calculations
The selection of Alok Singh, a Rajput leader from the dominant Shahabad region, represents a calculated political maneuver. Kushwaha's traditional political strength has relied on the Luv-Kush equation - an alliance between Kurmi and Koeri castes that forms his core support base.
According to the 2023 caste-based survey in Bihar, Koeri (Kushwaha) caste constitutes 4.2% of the population, while Kurmis represent 2.87%. By appointing a Rajput leader (who comprise 3.45% of Bihar's population) as state president, Kushwaha appears to be broadening his caste appeal beyond his traditional base.
This move gains particular significance considering Kushwaha's recent electoral setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Karakat, where Rajput voters largely favored their caste member and Bhojpuri singer Pawan Singh, who has since joined the BJP. Alok Singh's appointment is viewed as an attempt to rebuild bridges with the Rajput community in the politically crucial Shahabad region.
Addressing Internal Dissent and Leadership Concerns
The organizational changes are widely perceived as a damage control exercise following growing discontent within party ranks. Internal strife has been brewing since the formation of the new NDA government in Bihar under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar last November.
The discontent reached a boiling point after Kushwaha, whose Rajya Sabha membership expires in April, secured a ministerial position for his son, Deepak Prakash, despite him holding neither MLA nor MLC status. This decision prompted three of the party's four MLAs to express their dissatisfaction, with some even skipping Kushwaha's recent litti party gathering.
Notably, Rameshwar Mahto, the MLA from Bajpatti, was conspicuously absent from Friday's announcement event. When questioned about this absence, Kushwaha clarified, "This is not a meeting of the legislative party. MLA Snehlata is also not present here. There is no dispute within the party." However, the absence fueled speculation about ongoing tensions.
Broader Political Implications and Alliance Dynamics
The internal developments within RLM have attracted attention from alliance partners, particularly the BJP. The three dissenting MLAs had recently met with BJP's new national president Nitin Nabin, sparking rumors of a potential split in the RLM.
It is believed that a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader intervened to broker peace between the factions, as the BJP seeks to maintain stability within its alliance partnership. The RLM remains a crucial component of the ruling NDA coalition in Bihar, making internal cohesion a matter of broader political significance.
In a related development, following BJP's dahi-chura party in Patna attended by Kushwaha, Madhubani MLA Madhav Anand (the RLM's legislature party leader) and Alok Singh met with the RLM chief at his residence late at night. Rameshwar Mahto, however, skipped this meeting as well, indicating persistent differences.
The organizational reshuffle represents Kushwaha's multifaceted strategy to address caste equations, consolidate his political base, and manage internal party dynamics while maintaining the RLM's position within Bihar's complex political landscape.
