After losing from the Karakat Lok Sabha seat during the 2024 elections, Upendra Kushwaha's reaction displayed clear dissatisfaction with NDA. As a result, discussions about sending Upendra Kushwaha to the Rajya Sabha from the NDA side have been initiated. According to sources from Rashtriya Lok Morcha, Upendra Kushwaha will file his nomination on August 21 at 11 AM.
August 21 is the last day to file nominations. The second seat will have a BJP candidate. The state unit has shortlisted names and submitted them to the BJP central leadership. The announcement of BJP candidates may come today. Hence, sending Upendra Kushwaha to Rajya Sabha from the NDA side clearly indicates that efforts are being made to win him over before the Bihar elections.
Dissatisfaction Displayed After Losing Karakat Seat
In the Lok Sabha elections, Upendra Kushwaha contested from the Karakat seat as an NDA candidate. Bhojpuri singer and actor Pawan Singh also contested from this seat. Pawan Singh received a ticket from the BJP for Asansol but chose to run independently from Karakat. When the results favored Rajaram Singh from the Left parties, Upendra Kushwaha remarked that everyone knew whether Pawan Singh was a factor in his loss or was made one. It was evident that there was dissatisfaction, and talks of internal conflicts within NDA had started.
Repeatedly Switching Between JD(U) and NDA
Upendra Kushwaha has severed ties with JD(U) twice and NDA twice. His party merged with JD(U) twice and he has joined NDA twice. In 2007, JD(U) expelled Upendra. He then formed a party named Rashtriya Samata Party. In 2009, this party merged back with JD(U) and he went to Rajya Sabha.
Formed Independent Parties Multiple Times
In 2013, while being a Rajya Sabha member, Upendra Kushwaha once again resigned from JD(U) and created Rashtriya Lok Samata Party. His party joined NDA for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. He won from the Karakat seat and became the Minister of State for Human Resource Development in the Modi government. In 2018, he left NDA again, citing unfulfilled promises. In 2020, post the assembly elections, his party merged back with JD(U), and JD(U) sent him to the legislative council.
Aligning with NDA Again
In 2023, Upendra Kushwaha once again exhibited rebellious behavior and formed RLJD after separating from JD(U), which later became Rashtriya Lok Morcha. Once more, prior to the 2024 elections, he joined with NDA, only to face defeat in the Karakat seat.
