Upendra Kushwaha resigned today as Minister of State for Human Resource Development, after saying he would not participate in a meeting of the ruling BJP and its allies in Delhi, reinforcing endless speculation that he is on the verge of quitting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition anytime now. Reports say Upendra Kushwaha may announce his exit from the BJP-led alliance in the afternoon, triggering realignment in Bihar and delivering a blow to the NDA a day before the winter session of parliament begins.