Suspended ex-Union minister RK Singh quits BJP
What's the story
Former Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader RK Singh has resigned from the party. The resignation comes a day after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) alliance won the Bihar assembly election. Singh was among three leaders suspended for anti-party activities, along with Legislative Council member Ashok Agarwal and Katihar Mayor Usha Agarwal.
Suspension details
Singh's suspension and resignation from BJP
The BJP's Bihar unit in-charge Arvind Sharma issued a notice to the suspended leaders, informing them of their suspension and asking them to explain within a week why they shouldn't be expelled from the party. The notice read, "You are indulging in anti-party activities. This falls within the scope of the discipline. The party has taken this seriously." Sources indicated to NDTV that their suspension is a mere formality before expulsion.
Political dissent
Singh's criticism of BJP and NDA leadership
Singh had been a vocal critic of the BJP and NDA leadership, especially after losing the 2024 elections. He had raised questions on the credibility of some allies' candidates and targeted party colleague Samrat Choudhary over corruption allegations. Singh accused Choudhary and Bihar BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal of damaging the party's image and demanded clarifications from them.
Career overview
Singh's political career and allegations against Bihar government
Singh, a retired IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, was Home Secretary during Manmohan Singh's tenure. He joined the BJP in 2013 and was elected MP from Arrah twice in 2014 and 2019. He served as Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy from 2017 and was elevated to Cabinet rank in July 2024. Recently, he had alleged a scam involving a power plant in Bihar commissioned by Adani Power.
Resignation aftermath
Singh's warning to NDA alliance and resignation
Singh had warned the NDA alliance against fielding certain individuals in the Bihar elections, claiming a conspiracy led to his defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He said he had shared names of those behind this plot with senior BJP leadership. His resignation from the BJP comes shortly after his suspension for anti-party activities.