Former Union Minister RCP Singh set to launch new political party in Bihar

Patna: Former Union Minister Ram Chandra Prasad (RCP) Singh is set to unveil a new political party this Thursday, aligning with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary and Diwali. This launch signals a fresh political choice for Bihar’s voters, as Singh intends to draw support from key figures in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

Reflecting on his time in JD(U) and later the BJP, Singh noted operational differences that motivated him to create an independent political organization. The launch comes as Bihar heads towards the 2025 Assembly elections, highlighting Singh’s intent to impact the state’s political scene.

Originally an IAS officer, Singh entered politics in 2010, swiftly rising in JD(U) to become a prominent figure under Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. His political standing shifted in 2021 after he accepted the role of Union Steel Minister in PM Modi’s cabinet, a decision that reportedly conflicted with Nitish Kumar’s expectations. At the time, Singh, then the JD(U) national president, managed ministerial negotiations with the BJP, but differences with Kumar led to Singh’s resignation, with Lalan Singh taking over the role.

Nitish Kumar later opted not to renew Singh’s Rajya Sabha membership, leading to his resignation from the Steel Ministry on July 6, 2022. Singh subsequently joined the BJP but remained on the sidelines, particularly after Nitish Kumar rejoined the NDA in 2024. Now, following months of marginalization, Singh is set to launch his own party, positioning it as a new option for Bihar as the 2025 state elections approach.

RCP Singh’s education began in his native village in Nalanda, Bihar, progressing through Patna Science College and culminating with a Master’s in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in 1982. This academic background supported his successful career as an IAS officer before he transitioned into politics.

Singh’s career started with the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), but he later became an IAS officer in 1984, joining the Uttar Pradesh cadre. In roles as SDM, DM, and various secretarial positions, Singh’s Central deputation placed him in close association with Nitish Kumar, then a Union Minister. Singh served as Kumar's private secretary for seven years, and upon Kumar’s election as Bihar’s Chief Minister, he returned to Bihar, taking on key roles, including Principal Secretary in the Home Department and the Cabinet Secretariat.

In 2010, Singh took early retirement to join JD(U) and quickly became a Rajya Sabha member. Over the years, he expanded JD(U)’s grassroots network across Bihar, gaining Nitish Kumar’s trust and eventually being appointed party president in 2020. In this role, Singh developed a strong structure within JD(U), appointing loyalists in critical positions across districts and blocks.

Singh’s family includes two daughters: Lipi Singh, an IPS officer, and a second daughter who practices law.

(IANS with edits)