Minister Panchayati Raj Deepak Prakash ends constitutional crisis

Patna, 5 August (ABN): The constitutional crisis surrounding Bihar Minister Panchayati Raj Deepak Prakash's ministerial position has finally come to an end. The state governor has nominated him as a member of the Bihar Legislative Council (MLC). All legal and political questions raised over his ministerial position have been put to rest following the issuance of a government notification from the Raj Bhavan. The news of his nomination sparked jubilation among Bharatiya Janata Party workers and supporters. Deepak Prakash had been holding the ministerial position for the past six months without being a member of any house. According to the Constitution, it is mandatory for any minister to become a member of the assembly or legislative council within six months of taking oath, otherwise, the ministry cannot be continued. On this basis, the opposition had been constantly criticizing the government, and the matter had reached the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court had also questioned the constitutional validity of his continuation as a minister and had sought a response from the state government. To resolve the constitutional complexity, the state government took immediate action. Legislative Council member Devesh Kumar resigned from his post, following which the governor, on the recommendation of the state cabinet, nominated Deepak Prakash to the vacant seat in the Legislative Council. With this nomination, the government has averted a possible constitutional crisis and the uncertainty surrounding the ministerial position has been resolved. However, since Deepak Prakash has been nominated to the seat vacated by Devesh Kumar, he will remain a member of the Legislative Council only till March 2027, after which he will need to be re-elected or re-nominated.