Will RCP Singh Return to the JD(U)? Nitish Kumar’s Political Need or a Kurmi Leader’s Compulsion?

Patna:
Speculation is rife in Bihar’s political corridors over the possible return of former Union Minister RCP Singh (Ram Chandra Prasad Singh) to the Janata Dal (United). His recent public appearance alongside Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, coupled with his unusually conciliatory remarks, has reignited debate about whether a political reunion is imminent.

Once regarded as Nitish Kumar’s most trusted lieutenant and the undisputed “number two” in the JD(U), RCP Singh recently described the Chief Minister as his “guardian”. The remark has been widely interpreted as a signal of reconciliation, prompting a key question: Is RCP Singh’s return a political necessity for Nitish Kumar, or a compulsion for the Kurmi leader struggling to regain relevance?

The ‘Dahi-Chura’ Event That Sparked Buzz

The renewed buzz began after both leaders attended a Dahi-Chura Bhoj organised by the Patel Seva Sangh. Though they arrived separately, RCP Singh’s comments after the event drew attention. Asked about a possible return to the JD(U), he smiled and said, “It will be known soon.” He also strongly backed the demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on Nitish Kumar, further fuelling speculation.

A 25-Year-Old Political Association

The political relationship between Nitish Kumar and RCP Singh spans nearly 25 years. Hailing from Nalanda district and belonging to the Kurmi community, RCP Singh first came into close contact with Nitish Kumar in 1996. An IAS officer of the 1984 batch (UP cadre), Singh impressed Nitish Kumar with his administrative acumen and was appointed Special Secretary in the Railway Ministry, and later Principal Secretary when Nitish became Chief Minister of Bihar.

In 2010, RCP Singh took voluntary retirement and entered active politics. His rise within the JD(U) was swift—Rajya Sabha MP, Union Minister, and eventually National President of the party. Few leaders benefitted as much from Nitish Kumar’s patronage as RCP Singh did during this period.

Political Decline After Leaving JD(U)

However, relations soured, leading to RCP Singh’s exit from the JD(U). He later joined the BJP, but failed to secure the influence and trust he had enjoyed earlier. Disillusioned, he floated his own party in Bihar, which struggled to gain traction. Eventually, he merged it with Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj platform.

In a bid to test his political standing, RCP Singh fielded his daughter, Lata Singh, against the JD(U) candidate from the Asthawan assembly seat. The experiment backfired—she suffered a crushing defeat and even lost her security deposit. The result underscored RCP Singh’s waning grassroots influence.

Homecoming on the Cards?

Political observers now view his possible return to the JD(U) as a “homecoming”. According to senior journalists and analysts, the experience outside the JD(U) may have made RCP Singh realise where his true political strength lies.

Veteran political commentator Triloki Nath Dubey believes that for RCP Singh, a return to the JD(U) could be a compulsion to safeguard his political relevance, rather than a position of strength. For Nitish Kumar, however, it is not a necessity—though the return of an experienced organiser and a prominent Kurmi face could still prove advantageous.

As Bihar’s political equations continue to evolve, all eyes are now on what unfolds after Kharmas. Whether this reunion materialises or remains mere speculation will become clear in the days ahead.