KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant political development ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for later this year, former Union Minister and ex-JD(U) president Ramchandra Prasad (RCP) Singh has merged his political outfit, Aap Sabki Awaaz (ASA), with Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party. This move marks Singh’s fourth party affiliation in three years, underscoring a dynamic shift in Bihar’s political landscape.

A Political Journey: From Bureaucracy to Jan Suraaj

RCP Singh, an IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, began his political career under the mentorship of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Serving as Kumar’s principal secretary, Singh transitioned into politics by joining the JD(U) in 2010. He held significant positions, including two terms in the Rajya Sabha and a brief tenure as the party’s national president. In July 2021, Singh was appointed as the Union Minister of Steel in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet. However, his political journey saw turbulence when he resigned from the JD(U) in 2022, subsequently joining the BJP in 2023, and later founding ASA in October 2024.

Strategic Merger with Jan Suraaj

On May 18, 2025, Singh announced the merger of ASA with Jan Suraaj, a party founded by political strategist Prashant Kishor. This alliance brings together two former close aides of Nitish Kumar, now united with a common objective to challenge the existing political order in Bihar. The merger is seen as a strategic move to consolidate support bases and present a formidable front in the upcoming elections.

Implications for Bihar’s Political Landscape

The alliance between Singh and Kishor is poised to impact the electoral dynamics in Bihar significantly. Singh’s influence among the Kurmi community, a substantial OBC group in Bihar, combined with Kishor’s organizational acumen, could sway voter sentiments. Their collaboration aims to offer an alternative to the current political establishment, focusing on development and governance reforms.

Jan Suraaj’s Organizational Strengthening

In a move to bolster its organizational structure, Jan Suraaj appointed former BJP MP Uday Singh as its first national president on May 19, 2025. This appointment allows Kishor to concentrate on public outreach and grassroots mobilization, while experienced leaders like Uday Singh and RCP Singh manage the party’s internal affairs.

Reactions from Political Circles

The merger has elicited varied responses from political entities in Bihar. The JD(U) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (S) criticized the alliance, labeling it as a convergence of “political germs and viruses,” reflecting their disapproval and concern over the potential electoral impact.

The strategic alliance between RCP Singh and Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party represents a significant shift in Bihar’s political scenario. As the state approaches the 2025 Assembly elections, this collaboration could redefine voter alignments and challenge the existing political narratives. The coming months will reveal the effectiveness of this alliance in reshaping Bihar’s political future.