RCP Singh & PK: Can the former lieutenants rock Nitish’s political boat in Bihar?

In a significant political development in Bihar, former Union Minister and once-trusted aide of Nitish Kumar, RCP Singh, has merged his political outfit Aap Sabki Aawaz with Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj. This move, ahead of the crucial 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, marks a dramatic turn in the state's political narrative, especially considering the shared history both Singh and Kishor have with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

A shared legacy, now a common rival

Both RCP Singh and Prashant Kishor were once at the heart of Nitish Kumar’s political machinery. Singh, a 1984-batch IAS officer, was brought into politics by Nitish himself, initially as his principal secretary. He later joined the Janata Dal (United), quickly rising the party ranks. His proximity to Nitish and bureaucratic acumen made him one of the most influential figures in the Bihar government during Kumar’s earlier terms.

Kishor, on the other hand, entered the political arena as a master strategist, helping Nitish Kumar craft his 2015 campaign that played a pivotal role in the JD(U)'s electoral success. He was later inducted into the JD(U) as its national vice-president but eventually fell out with the leadership due to strategic and ideological differences.

The fallout and the road to opposition

RCP Singh’s departure from JD(U) was marked by acrimony. His appointment as Union Minister in 2021, reportedly against Nitish Kumar’s wishes, marked the beginning of the end of their association. His subsequent exclusion from the Rajya Sabha and sidelining in the party led to his resignation and a brief stint with the BJP. However, with Nitish’s renewed alliance with the BJP, Singh found himself politically isolated.

Prashant Kishor, meanwhile, turned to grassroots politics with his Jan Suraaj initiative, positioning it as a movement for systemic political reform in Bihar. Over the last year, he has been touring the state extensively, building a network of supporters and raising public awareness about governance issues.

The big question : can this merger pose a serious challenge to ‘Sushasan Babu'?

The merger of Aap Sabki Aawaz with Jan Suraaj is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a consolidation of political experience, caste equations, and regional influence. Singh brings with him a network of JD(U) veterans and appeal among the Kurmi community, an OBC group that forms about 3% of Bihar’s electorate and has traditionally been a stronghold for Nitish Kumar. His Nalanda roots also mirror those of the Chief Minister, setting up a battle for local loyalty.

Kishor, a Brahmin, brings upper-caste intellectual appeal and the image of a reformist. Together, the duo aims to present a centrist alternative to both the Nitish-led JD(U)-BJP alliance and the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan.

However, the real question is whether their combined strength can translate into electoral traction. Bihar’s politics is deeply entrenched in caste loyalties and established party networks. While the political past of both leaders adds weight, it remains uncertain whether disenchanted JD(U) voters and fence-sitters will rally behind this new front.

strategic implications for 2025

With assembly elections just a year away, this alliance could disrupt traditional vote banks, especially if it gains momentum among youth and first-time voters disillusioned with the current options. Moreover, if they can successfully tap into anti-incumbency sentiments and craft a compelling narrative around governance and development, they could emerge as significant spoilers, if not outright contenders.

Still, without support from a major national party or a visible wave of public sentiment, challenging the entrenched JD(U) and RJD-BJP blocs will be an uphill battle.