Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, March 23, 2024: In a major political development ahead of the elections, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) state president Ramesh Kushwaha and his wife Vijayalaxmi formally joined the Janata Dal (United) in Patna on Saturday.
Ramesh Kushwaha, who resigned from both the post of state president and primary membership of Upendra Kushwaha-led RLM—an NDA ally in Bihar—was welcomed into the JD-U fold by state president Umesh Kushwaha, in the presence of Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Cabinet Minister Ashok Choudhary, and other senior leaders. Membership certificates were handed over to both Ramesh Kushwaha and his wife.
RLM Political Background:
Ramesh Kushwaha, a JD-U MLA from Ziradei Assembly constituency in Siwan (2015-2020), had left the party in 2020 to join Upendra Kushwaha’s outfit. His return to JD-U is being described as a “Ghar Wapsi” by party leaders.
Sources suggest that JD-U may field Vijayalaxmi as its Lok Sabha candidate from Siwan in the 2024 elections, a seat currently represented by Kavita Singh, wife of Bahubali leader Ajay Singh. Political observers believe this move indicates the party may deny Kavita Singh a ticket this time.
Leaders’ reactions:
Welcoming him back, JD-U state president Umesh Kushwaha said, “Ramesh Kushwaha was the MLA of our Party from Ziradei. He went to another party for some time but has now returned to his old home. It is a Ghar Wapsi for him.”
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary added:
“Our goal is to win all 40 seats in Bihar and seek help from the NDA government at the Centre. Ramesh Kushwaha and his wife joining JD-U will strengthen the NDA. We have no intention of weakening our alliance partner RLM.”
Strategic Significance:
The development is seen as a political setback for RLM within NDA ranks, while JD-U is aiming to consolidate its position in Siwan—a constituency with complex caste equations and high political stakes.
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EOM.