Two leaders who were once close allies to Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have now joined forces ahead of the state assembly elections. Ramchandra Prasad Singh, former National President of Janata Dal (United), has decided to merge his party 'Your Voice' with election strategist turned politician Prashant Kishor's party, Jan Suraj. PK was also once part of JDU. Both PK and RCP Singh, former trusted aides of Nitish Kumar, were once seen as potential successors. However, those days are gone, and the scenario has changed.
Now united, RCP Singh and Prashant Kishor are gearing up for a showdown in the upcoming assembly elections to potentially uproot Nitish from power. Who will win and who will lose is a matter for another day. For now, the discussion revolves around the strength of RCP Singh that PK believes in and what his political history says about him.
What is RCP's Ground Strength?
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is renowned as the icon of good governance, a reputation crafted by RCP Singh, a 1984 batch IAS officer. RCP was brought to Bihar by Nitish Kumar as Principal Secretary. His efforts were notable in suppressing crime and fostering development during Nitish Kumar's first tenure, ensuring RCP's conversations as a key reformer. In 2010, RCP voluntarily retired to join JDU.
Once in politics, RCP Singh began organizing JDU on the principles of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Though he may not have been a leader with a strong public appeal, he was deemed a proficient organizer. Having worked alongside Nitish Kumar for 17 years, RCP understands the CM's working style, strengths, and weaknesses better than any other.
Will RCP's Alliance Change the Equation?
RCP Singh hails from Nalanda, Nitish Kumar’s home district, and shares the same Kurmi caste as the Chief Minister. With RCP, a prominent Kurmi leader, joining, Jan Suraj's social umbrella expands with its anti-caste politics narrative. While PK represents a Brahmin face, and Manoj Bharti a Dalit, RCP’s inclusion enhances the UNITY of the party. Kurmis constitute nearly three percent of Bihar's population. Amid the waning popularity of Nitish, PK’s party views RCP as a key to capturing voters loyal to Nitish's caste base.
RCP's Political History
RCP Singh entered politics in 2010 by embracing JDU. He was considered one of Nitish Kumar's most trusted leaders and swiftly climbed the political ranks. Post Nitish, he held the second-highest position in JDU, first as General Secretary, and later became the National President after JDU's poor performance in the 2020 Bihar elections. On December 27, 2020, Nitish Kumar announced RCP Singh as the National President. In 2021, defying Nitish’s wishes, RCP Singh secured a ministerial position in the central government via the JDU quota.
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In 2022, after his Rajya Sabha term ended, RCP was denied further opportunities and lost his ministerial post. In August 2022, amid changing circumstances, RCP resigned from the JDU President position and described JDU as a sinking ship before severing all ties with the party. In May 2023, RCP joined BJP. However, post Nitish's return to NDA, RCP was again sidelined.
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With failed attempts to secure a BJP ticket for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, RCP created his own party, 'Your Voice'. Now, almost eight months later, RCP has merged his party with Jan Suraj. Within the last three years, RCP Singh moved from JDU, then BJP, followed by Aaspa, and now merged with Jan Suraj, making it his fourth political platform.
