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NDTV
20-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Accept The Truth": Ex Union Minister's Advice To Nitish Kumar On Son's Birthday
Patna: The Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) President Upendra Kushwaha on Sunday urged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take a firm decision in a 'timely manner', cautioning that any delay in this would lead to 'irreparable' damage to his party - the Janata Dal (United). Upendra Kushwaha, a long-term friend of Nitish, said this while greeting his son Nishant on the latter's birthday and also described him as the 'new hope of JD(U)'. Rajya Sabha MP's remarks assume significance in light of the upcoming high-stakes electoral battle in Bihar, where Nitish-led NDA government is seeking a return to power again, while 'Mahagathbandhan' is seeking to dislodge it on account of misgovernance and also accusing it of giving liquor mafias a free rein in the state. Upendra Kushwaha, taking to his social media handle, lauded Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for exemplary leadership in giving direction to the state, however, stated that it was time for him to decide between managing the party and the government simultaneously, adding that it was in his interest to 'choose any one thing'. "I humbly request Nitish ji to accept the truth, considering the sensitivity of the time and circumstances, that it is no longer appropriate for him to manage both the government and the party simultaneously. His vast experience in running the government should continue to benefit the state, which is currently essential for the state's interest," he said. He further said that the JD(U) national president should take a firm decision in a timely manner regarding the transfer of the party's responsibility and claimed that this was also the opinion of thousands of workers of his own party, who are afraid to speak their minds. "This is in the interest of his party. Any delay in this matter could cause irreparable damage to the party. Perhaps a loss so severe that it may never be compensated," Kushwaha said. Greeting Nitish's son on his birthday, he said, "On the joyous occasion, heartfelt birthday wishes to Nishant, the new hope of JDU. May God always keep him healthy and cheerful." (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
MP Upendra Kushwaha seeks fairer representation in parliament for Bihar and UP
Former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha on Sunday claimed that states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have an inadequate representation in Parliament and delimitation was necessary to set things right. I would urge my Hindu brethren to show some magnanimity, Kushwaha said.(ANI file) Addressing a rally in Gayaji, the Rajya Sabha MP also termed as "misleading" the contention that better implementation of family planning measures had slowed down the growth in population of southern states and delimitation would put these at a disadvantage. "If we see the period between 1881, when the first census was held under British Raj, and the Independence in 1947, the rate of growth in southern states was higher. The reason being famines and pandemics hitting Bihar and adjoining states like Uttar Pradesh with greater severity", claimed the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief. The RLM is an NDA partner. He said, "If we look at the data, in southern states there is a Lok Sabha constituency for every 21 lakh people while in Bihar and UP 31 lakh people elect one MP. This militates against Babasaheb Ambedkar's principle of one person one vote and every vote having an equal value". Kushwaha blamed the "injustice" on the Congress, saying, "During the Emergency, in 1976, the Delimitation Act was amended, which disrupted the earlier practice of census and delimitation taking place together. Now, the number of parliamentary constituencies has been static for 50 years. Otherwise, Bihar would have 60 MPs, 20 more than its current strength in the Lower House". He also said, "Over the years, the rate of population growth in the south has declined not because of performance of governments in states but due to improvement in education, which they could afford much before the Hindi heartland could catch up". "Education has been spreading in the Hindi-speaking states and this will have an impact on the growth of population here as well. But until that happens, let the region's representation in Parliament be commensurate with its population", said Kushwaha. He also expressed solidarity with Buddhists demanding full control of the Maha Bodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, where Buddha is said to have got enlightened 2,500 years ago. "I am myself a Hindu and not a Buddhist. But I would urge my Hindu brethren to show some magnanimity. They are free to have full control of crores of temples. Let them give up their claim on just one and prove that Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam is not a mere slogan", added Kushwaha. He also said, "Some may see me as a stormy petrel. When I was in the first council of ministers of Narendra Modi, my criticism of the collegium system in higher judiciary raised many eyebrows. But I consider myself a trailblazer. Today all parties are speaking against the discriminatory system of appointment of judges in High Courts and the Supreme Court".
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
EC allots polls symbols to three parties
Patna: Election Commission (EC) allotted poll symbols to three parties—Jan Suraaj, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM). An official letter in this regard was issued on Tuesday. According to the EC's letter, Jan Suraaj of poll strategist Prashant Kishor was allotted the "school bag" symbol, while VIP, led by former minister Mukesh Sahani, got the old poll symbol of a "boat with man and sail". RLM, which is headed by Rajya Sabha member Upendra Kushwaha, was allotted "gas cylinder". A spokesperson of Jan Suraaj said the party had got the school bag symbol during the bypolls to four assembly seats in the state and requested the poll body to give it permanently. Similarly, the VIP also got its original symbol. The VIP had fought the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on the 'ladies purse' symbol. "This is a major victory for the VIP. The EC has once again returned our election symbol, the 'boat mark'. This is a triumph of our trust and struggle" the party said in a statement. It added that the boat symbol is not just an election symbol but the voice of lakhs of Nishads.
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bihar man held for posing as Lawrence Bishnoi gang member, threatening MP
Jun 21, 2025 09:28 PM IST A man from Bihar's Siwan district has been arrested for posing as jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's aide to allegedly threaten Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha, officials said on Saturday. Police have arrested a man who posed as a member of Lawrence Bishnoi's gang and threatened an MP(File) Also Read: Gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar part ways: What led to the breakup? The accused had allegedly warned Kushwaha against speaking about a particular political party and threatened to "finish him" within 10 days. During questioning, Kumar confessed to having called Rajya Sabha MP several times and threatening him, Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma said. Also Read: Shots fired at Nijjar-linked business in Canada; cousin blames Bishnoi gang 'Police registered a case on the basis of a written complaint filed by the personal secretary of the Rajya Sabha MP. In his complaint, it was alleged that death threats were received by Kushwaha from a person belonging to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang on June 19. 'The MP had also shared the information on X late on Thursday. He said that he received threat calls between 8.52 pm and 9.20 pm from two mobile numbers, and the caller identified him as a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang'. Also Read: Lawrence Bishnoi interview: SIT gets more time to complete probe The arrested person has no connection with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, and he was formerly associated with the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) headed by Kushwaha, police said. The RLM is an alliance partner of the NDA. 'The accused was arrested from Siwan and police have also recovered the mobile phone from which the calls were made. The man has revealed that he was not happy with some recent statements of Kushwaha, which is why he threatened him,' the SSP said. Further investigation is underway.
India Gazette
20-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Bihar: RLM President Upendra Kushwaha claims death threats from Bishnoi Gang, seeks urgent police action
Siwan (Bihar) [India], June 20 (ANI): Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) national president and Member of Parliament Upendra Kushwaha on Friday claimed that he received death threats from individuals claiming to be members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The threats were allegedly issued over phone calls and text messages late Thursday evening. The RLM leader further said that the caller identified himself as a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has been previously linked to high-profile criminal activities across India. Speaking to ANI, Kushwaha informed the media that he received multiple phone calls between 8:52 pm and 9:20 pm from two different mobile numbers. 'Yesterday, I got 2-3 phone calls and a message threatening to kill me in 10 days. The caller claimed that he was from the Bishnoi gang. I have informed the Police, they are investigating,' he said. 'This is a serious matter of security. I have informed the Patna Senior Superintendent of Police and requested an immediate investigation into the incident. Strict action must be taken, and the accused must be arrested at the earliest,' Kushwaha added. Meanwhile, commenting on the Prime Minister's upcoming visit, Kushwaha said he was confident it would lead to major regional development announcements. 'The people of Siwan are waiting for the PM's arrival today. As wherever the PM has gone, he has given special gifts to that area...' 'Seat-sharing between NDA parties will happen smoothly,' he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit, beginning with Bihar and Odisha on June 20, followed by Andhra Pradesh on June 21. On Friday, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects at Siwan, a major boost to infrastructure and socio-economic development in Bihar. In line with his commitment to conserving and rejuvenating the river Ganga, the Prime Minister will inaugurate six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the Namami Gange project, worth over Rs 1,800 crore, to cater to the needs of people in the region. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for water supply, sanitation, and STPs worth over Rs 3000 crore in various towns across Bihar, aiming to provide clean and safe drinking water to the citizens of these towns. (ANI)
