Patna (Bihar) [India], May 19 : After former Union Minister RCP Singh joined the Jan Suraaj Party, BJP leader Sanjay Jaiswal on Monday said that people in Bihar only care about the development of the state and for them it does not matter which leader is shifting it's political allegiance.
"It doesn't matter who goes where, especially with the kind of development that has taken place in Bihar under Nitish Kumar in the state. People only care about this," Jaiswal told reporters.
In a significant political development in Bihar ahead of the Assembly polls scheduled to be held later this year, former Union Minister Ram Chandra Prasad Singh has merged his political outfit, Aap Sabki Awaz (ASA), with the Jan Suraaj Party, led by Prashant Kishor.Kishor announced the merger during a press conference in Patna on Sunday.
RCP Singh served as an IAS officer in the Uttar Pradesh cadre and was later inducted into the Union Cabinet as the Minister of Steel in 2021. Singh left JD(U) in 2023 to join Bharatiya Janata Party and in 2024 announced the formation of his own Party, 'Aap Sabki Awaz', announcing his contention for the 2025 Bihar election.
The merger brings together two prominent political figures with a shared vision for Bihar's future.
Prashant Kishor, who is best known for his work in political campaigns, welcomed Singh into the fold, describing him as "an elder brother" and a leader with deep insights into Bihar's political and social dynamics.
Speaking to the media, Prashant Kishor emphasised the need for a new political force in Bihar, saying, "Bihar is at a crossroads and needs a new political force committed to clean governance and inclusive development. Bihar deserves an alternative that talks about education, jobs, and long-term planning--not just caste and contracts."
Kishor also attacked the Janata Dal (United) 's current state, accusing it of being controlled by "four contractors" who are misusing power. He further criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, stating that he was "mentally unfit to lead" and alleging that the state government was being run by bureaucrats and vested interests rather than elected leadership.
"This is the time to leave that sinking boat," Kishor urged JD(U) workers, "If you truly believe in the vision Nitish Kumar once articulated--of a Bihar free of crime, corruption and communalism--then Jan Suraaj is your natural destination."
The Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be held in October and November this year, wherein the NDA, which consists of the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, will be once again looking forward to returning to power. In contrast, the INDIA Bloc will be giving competition to the incumbent Nitish Kumar government.