Rifts Surface in Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM as Three MLAs Skip Patna Event, Meet BJP Leader in Delhi

Patna: Signs of internal unease have begun to emerge within former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), after three of the party’s four MLAs stayed away from a high-profile gathering hosted by him in Patna and instead made a political appearance in New Delhi.

While Kushwaha organised a traditional “Litti Chokha” get-together at his residence, RLM legislators Alok Singh, Rameshwar Kumar Mehto and Madhav Anand were notably absent. Their absence drew attention after the trio was seen meeting newly appointed BJP national working president Nitin Nabin in the national capital.

Photographs of the meeting were later shared on social media by Rameshwar Kumar Mehto, where he described the interaction as a courtesy visit to congratulate Nabin on his new responsibility. The post highlighted that the MLAs extended best wishes to the BJP leader and discussed hopes for his successful tenure, further fuelling political speculation in Bihar circles.

The development has sparked rumours of discord within RLM, especially at a time when questions are being raised over leadership decisions taken by Kushwaha. Party insiders suggest that dissatisfaction has been brewing ever since Kushwaha ensured a ministerial position for his son, Deepak Prakash, in the newly formed NDA government, despite him not being an elected MLA or MLC. This move reportedly upset several leaders who expected representation from within the legislature.

Adding to the speculation, Mehto had earlier posted a cryptic message on social media stressing that political success depends on clear intent and public welfare, not personal interest. The remarks were widely interpreted as an indirect criticism of the party leadership for overlooking elected representatives.

However, RLM’s general secretary and spokesperson Rampukar Sinha has rejected claims of any split, maintaining that the party remains united and that all MLAs continue to support Kushwaha’s leadership. He described the developments as routine political interactions being unnecessarily over-interpreted.