PATNA, June 17 -- The Supreme Court's recent notice to Bihar government over continuance of Deepak Prakash as panchayati raj minister has stirred political circles in the state, yet both the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and its NDA ally BJP appear largely unruffled by the development. The apex court issued the notice on Monday while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by social activist Rakesh Kumar Singh. The petition challenges Prakash's reappointment in the Samrat Choudhary cabinet on May 7, pointing out that he is neither an MLA nor an MLC. Under Article 164(4) of the Constitution, a minister who is not a member of the state legislature must become one within six months, or cease to hold the post. The court has sought responses from the government, the election commission of India (ECI) and Prakash himself. Senior RLM leaders, speaking on anonymity, said the matter now rested with the BJP. "The ball is in their court," one remarked. Deepak Prakash, son of RLM chief and Rajya Sabha member Upendra Kushwaha, echoed a similar sentiment in his interactions, noting that he was inducted into the cabinet at the BJP's insistence and the party leadership would decide his future course. CM Samrat Choudhary has maintained a pragmatic stance. He has publicly stated that a non-legislator can continue as minister for five months and 29 days, in line with constitutional provisions. State BJP chief Sanjay Saraogi reinforced this position, saying there was no need to rush. "The state government will submit its reply to the SC in due course," he added. The episode traces back to the hectic parleys before the cabinet expansion in early May. According to RLM insiders, Union home minister Amit Shah met Upendra Kushwaha at a city hotel in Patna and pitched the idea of RLM merging with the BJP. The proposal was turned down. A core committee meeting of the RLM on May 6 resolved against joining the government on the condition of merger. Yet, late that night, Deepak Prakash received a call from Raj Bhavan asking him to prepare for the swearing-in ceremony the next day. He took oath without any preconditions, despite not being a member of the assembly or council. This was his second stint in the cabinet; he had earlier served briefly under the previous Nitish Kumar dispensation as well. A senior RLM leader recalled that Prakash had earlier declined an offer to join the BJP and contest for a seat in the legislative council during recent polls. "He preferred to remain a committed party worker and NDA flag-bearer," the leader said. Upendra Kushwaha himself has maintained that the fate of his son would be decided by NDA leaders. Speculation about Prakash contesting a by-election for his mother Snehlata Kushwaha's assembly seat has been dismissed by party insiders. Instead, quiet discussions are underway for an alternative arrangement. Kushwaha is currently in Delhi holding talks with senior BJP leaders and is expected back in Patna on Thursday with possible solutions. One option being explored is nominating Prakash to the legislative council through the Governor's quota. There are around a dozen such nominated seats, with several tenures ending in March next year. Party sources suggest one sitting MLC could be asked to step down to create space. This episode highlights the balancing act within the NDA in Bihar following the assembly elections and the transition to Choudhary's leadership. RLM, though a small player with limited MLAs, holds symbolic importance in the Kushwaha community, a key OBC segment....