Patna: In a significant political shift ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, former Union minister and ex-JD(U) national president RCP Singh has merged his political outfit, Aap Sabki Aawaz (Aasa), with Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraj. The alliance unites two of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s most vocal critics—both former allies and once considered close confidants.
RCP Singh, a former IAS officer and long-time associate of Nitish Kumar, was elevated to key positions within JD(U), including the party presidency and a cabinet berth in the Union government. However, following a dramatic fallout with Nitish, Singh left JD(U), briefly joined the BJP, and later launched his own party.
Speaking on the merger at a press conference held on Sunday, Singh described the occasion as “auspicious,” noting that the decision had been finalised a week prior. “Today is the day of the Sun God—an ideal day to lay the foundation of something new,” he said.
Singh criticised both major alliances in Bihar—NDA and the opposition coalition INDIA—claiming that he and Kishor had served both but gained little in return. “Now, for the first time, we are building our own house—a beautiful and prosperous Bihar,” he declared, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047 ignores the urgent needs of Bihar.
He went on to lament the state’s underdeveloped mining sector, claiming that Bihar holds untapped reserves of gold and tungsten. “I once explained this to Nitish Kumar for four hours, when I was the Steel Minister, but he ignored it,” he said.
Prashant Kishor, a former political strategist and JD(U) vice-president, did not speak at length during the announcement but stood by Singh, signalling unity.
Addressing speculation about their political standing, Singh was defiant. “Some say we’re the third front. We may be third in the entrance exam, but we will come first in the results.”
Reflecting on his political journey, Singh said his departure from JD(U) and brief stint with the BJP stemmed from a lack of meaningful roles. “They told me there was nothing for me. But I am not one to sit idle. That’s why I formed my own party—to work.”
