Introduction
As the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 approach, the state’s political landscape is heating up. In a surprising move, RCP Singh and Prashant Kishor, once fierce rivals within Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), have merged their political outfits — Aap Sabki Awaaz Party (ASAP) and Jan Suraaj Party (JSP). This development raises crucial questions: Is this merger a serious challenge to Nitish Kumar or a calculated optical play?
From Adversaries to Allies
RCP Singh, a former Union Minister and seasoned bureaucrat, officially joined JSP during a public event at Patna’s Patliputra Golambar. He praised Kishor’s focus on issues affecting the common man and pledged to work for a prosperous Bihar. The move is significant not just symbolically but also demographically — Singh is a prominent Kurmi leader from Nalanda, Nitish Kumar’s home turf.
Political Implications of the Merger
The alliance is seen as an effort to chip away at Nitish Kumar’s traditional Kurmi vote base. Analysts, however, remain cautious about its impact. According to political strategist Amitabh Tiwari, “This is more optics than substance. RCP Singh is a skilled organiser but not a mass leader.” For more on Nitish Kumar’s influence, read Why Nitish Kumar Remains the Tallest Kurmi Leader in Bihar.
Why This Matters to JD(U)
With both Kishor and Singh having held senior positions in the JD(U) — Kishor as vice-president and Singh as national president — their defection sends a strong signal. Their criticisms of Nitish Kumar’s governance, particularly in the Magadh region, are designed to resonate with voters disenchanted with the status quo.
Reactions from Rivals
Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, hinted at BJP’s possible role behind the scenes. “If two rebels of JD(U) have come together, everyone understands whose game this is,” he stated. To understand the wider opposition dynamics, see Bihar 2025: Can Tejashwi Yadav Rally Opposition Forces?.
Can the Alliance Shift the Voter Base?
The Kurmi and Koeri communities form 7-8% of Bihar’s electorate and are critical in several districts. While Nitish Kumar remains the most influential Kurmi leader, the new alliance aims to erode his credibility by highlighting his former aides’ dissent.
Background on RCP Singh and Prashant Kishor
- RCP Singh: 1984-batch IAS officer, JD(U) strategist, and former Union Minister.
- Prashant Kishor: Renowned political strategist turned politician, launched JSP in 2024 after exiting JD(U).
Their rivalry in JD(U) was marked by a cold war, with Kishor exiting in 2020 and Singh being overlooked for renomination to Rajya Sabha in 2022, prompting his exit and brief stint with the BJP.
Conclusion
While the Singh-Kishor merger has stirred Bihar’s political waters, its impact on the ground remains uncertain. Nitish Kumar’s dominance, particularly among the Kurmi electorate, is still largely intact. However, with the elections looming, even the optics of a rebellion by two former insiders could spell trouble for JD(U).
Will this alliance shake up Bihar politics or fizzle out as mere pre-election theatrics? Only time — and the voters — will tell.
