RCP Singh Raises Concerns Over Nitish Kumar's Rajya Sabha Ambitions
Former Union minister RCP Singh, once a close associate of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has publicly questioned the timing and motives behind Kumar's decision to seek membership of the Rajya Sabha. Speaking to reporters in Patna on Thursday, Singh suggested that while the move could be personal, the surrounding circumstances hint at deeper implications for Bihar's political landscape.
Unusual Timing Amid Active Governance
RCP Singh, popularly known as RCP, pointed out the apparent contradiction in Nitish Kumar's actions. He noted that barely three months ago, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) contested the Bihar assembly elections under Kumar's leadership, securing a historic mandate. Following this victory, Kumar took oath as chief minister for a record tenth time and has since been actively engaged in state affairs.
Singh elaborated, "Right now, he is carrying out a review of development projects through his Samriddhi Yatra, has even announced several policies for the state, and recently attended the budget session of the Bihar assembly. A close look at these incidents indicates that if he was willing to go to Rajya Sabha, why was he involved in such activities?"
Questions on Fulfilling Electoral Promises
The former JD(U) leader, who was expelled from the party, emphasized that the electoral mandate was specifically given to Nitish Kumar. He raised concerns about whether a replacement could properly discharge the responsibility of fulfilling promises made to voters. "The mandate was given to Nitish, but he is headed for Delhi. Can his replacement discharge this responsibility properly?" Singh asked, highlighting a significant difference between Kumar personally executing tasks and someone doing it under his guidance.
Dismissing BJP Involvement Speculations
RCP Singh also addressed rumors suggesting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) might be behind Kumar's potential move to the Rajya Sabha. He dismissed these claims, recalling that in 2020, when the BJP secured more seats than the JD(U) in Bihar, Nitish Kumar himself suggested his partner appoint its own chief minister. "He agreed to become the CM only after requests from the Prime Minister and the home minister," Singh stated, implying that the BJP had prior opportunities to influence leadership if desired.
This development comes as Nitish Kumar continues his Samriddhi Yatra, a state-wide tour to review development projects, adding layers to the political narrative in Bihar. Observers are closely watching how this situation unfolds, given Kumar's longstanding role in state politics and the implications for governance continuity.
