Bihar’s newly appointed Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash has become a major talking point in state politics. The controversy stems from the fact that he became a minister without contesting any election, which has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition.

Adding fuel to the political debate, JJD chief Tej Pratap Yadav posted a sarcastic remark on X (Twitter), questioning the legitimacy of Deepak Prakash’s appointment. In his post, he wrote:

“Deepak Prakash, who was the counting agent of Independent candidate Narayan Paswan whose deposit was forfeited, has become a minister without contesting elections. Isn’t it the magic of Modi and Nitish?”
 

Why the Controversy?

Deepak Prakash is the son of Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha. During the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections, he served as the counting agent for independent candidate Narayan Paswan from Sasaram. Paswan secured only 327 votes, and his deposit was forfeited.

Opposition leaders claim that someone who was an agent of a candidate with such a poor electoral performance becoming a minister without contesting elections raises questions about political favoritism. This sparked significant trolling and criticism on social media.

What Did Deepak Prakash Say After Taking Charge?

Immediately after assuming charge, Deepak Prakash emphasized the development potential of the Panchayati Raj Department. He stated that the department has immense scope for rural development and employment generation. He directed senior officials to remain proactive to accelerate ongoing projects.

He also held a review meeting with departmental officers, stressing transparency, youth-centric initiatives, and faster implementation of rural schemes.

Political Reactions Intensify

While the ruling camp maintains that Deepak Prakash’s appointment follows constitutional procedures, the opposition continues to question the political intent behind it. Tej Pratap Yadav’s post has reignited the controversy, making Deepak Prakash a central figure in Bihar’s current political narrative.

With the debate heating up, it remains to be seen how the minister defends his position and whether the controversy impacts the political equations within the state.