In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming electoral battles in Bihar, candidates for all ten Legislative Council (MLC) seats, including one by-election seat, were elected unopposed on Thursday. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured an overwhelming majority by winning nine of the ten seats, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) managed to secure one seat.
The election process concluded without any contest after the deadline for the withdrawal of nominations expired, paving the way for all nominated candidates to be declared elected.
The NDA's tally comprises four seats each for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], along with one seat won by the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). The lone opposition victory went to the RJD.
Among the most prominent winners are Nishant Kumar, son of former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and popular Bhojpuri actor-singer Pawan Singh, whose entry into the Legislative Council has drawn considerable public attention.
The JD(U) secured victories for Nishant Kumar, Bharti Mehta, Shivani Devi Prajapati, and Lalan Prasad. Notably, Lalan Prasad was elected in the by-election held for the seat vacated by Nitish Kumar.
The BJP's winning candidates include Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh, Sanjay Prakash Mayukh, Anil Thakur, and Sheila Pandit. Ashraf Ansari of the LJP (Ram Vilas) and Sunil Singh of the RJD also emerged victorious.
| S.No. | Newly Elected MLCs | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nishant Kumar | JD(U) |
| 2 | Bharti Mehta | JD(U) |
| 3 | Shivani Devi Prajapati | JD(U) |
| 4 | Lalan Prasad | JD(U) |
| 5 | Pawan Singh | BJP |
| 6 | Sanjay Prakash Mayukh | BJP |
| 7 | Anil Thakur | BJP |
| 8 | Sheila Pandit | BJP |
| 9 | Ashraf Ansari | LJP (Ram Vilas) |
| 10 | Sunil Singh | RJD |
While the NDA celebrated a near-clean sweep, the MLC elections also highlighted growing political complexities within the alliance. Deepak Prakash, son of Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha, was not fielded as a candidate, effectively shutting the door on his immediate prospects of entering the Bihar Legislative Council.
The development could have serious implications for Deepak Prakash's ministerial position. Having been inducted into the state cabinet without being a member of the legislature, he is constitutionally required to secure membership within six months. With that deadline set to expire in November, his continuation as a minister now appears uncertain.
Political sources suggest that the BJP's decision not to nominate Deepak Prakash was linked to its unsuccessful efforts to persuade Upendra Kushwaha to merge his party with the BJP. The proposal was reportedly part of a broader strategy to consolidate NDA allies ahead of future elections.
According to sources, a similar merger proposal had been floated when Deepak Prakash was first inducted into the cabinet in November 2025. Although Kushwaha declined the offer at that time, the BJP proceeded with Prakash's ministerial appointment, hoping that changing political circumstances might eventually lead to a reconsideration.
However, Kushwaha has remained steadfast in maintaining the independent identity of his party while continuing his association with the NDA. Sources indicate that he has once again rejected any merger proposal, making it increasingly difficult for Deepak Prakash to secure a legislative berth through the alliance.
The unopposed election of nine NDA-backed candidates underscores the alliance's strong legislative position in Bihar and reflects its organizational dominance ahead of crucial political contests. The induction of fresh faces such as Nishant Kumar and Pawan Singh also signals the alliance's attempt to broaden its social and political appeal.
While the NDA has strengthened its numbers in the Legislative Council, the future of Deepak Prakash remains a key issue to watch, as political negotiations within the alliance continue to shape Bihar's evolving political landscape.
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