BJP Suspends Former Union Minister RK Singh and Two Others for Anti-Party Activities in Bihar

New Delhi/Patna:

The BJP has initiated disciplinary action against rebel leaders in Bihar following their state election victory. Former Union Minister RK Singh, a prominent Bihar politician, is among three leaders suspended for anti-party activities. Legislative Council member Ashok Agarwal and Katihar Mayor Usha Agarwal are also facing similar action. Singh subsequently resigned from the party's primary membership after being confronted about his conduct.

This morning, Bihar BJP's state headquarters in-charge Arvind Sharma issued notices to the three leaders informing them of their suspension. They have been given one week to explain why they should not be expelled from the party permanently.

The notice stated: "You are engaging in anti-party activities, which violates party discipline. The party views this matter seriously as it has caused significant damage. As directed, you are suspended from the party and must explain why you should not face expulsion. Please clarify your position within a week of receiving this communication."

Sources indicate that these suspensions are likely procedural steps toward eventual expulsion.

Singh, a former MP from Arrah in Bihar, had been openly critical of the BJP and Bihar's government since his defeat in the 2024 elections. While politically sidelined, he repeatedly questioned the NDA leadership in Bihar and challenged the credibility of certain allied candidates.

He specifically targeted party colleague Samrat Choudhary, who serves as deputy chief minister and is a key BJP figure in Bihar. Following corruption allegations made by Prashant Kishor against Choudhary and BJP Bihar chief Dilip Jaiswal, Singh accused them of damaging the party's reputation and demanded they provide clarification.

Singh had also labeled Choudhary and Jaiswal as "murder accused" and urged voters to reject candidates with questionable backgrounds.

He demanded that Choudhary address doubts regarding his educational qualifications and also criticized gangster-turned-politician Anant Singh of the JDU. "It's better to drown in a handful of water than to vote for them," he had commented.

Despite the controversy, both Choudhary and Singh won their respective electoral contests.

Singh, a retired IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, previously served as Home Secretary during Manmohan Singh's government. He joined the BJP in 2013 and successfully contested from Arrah twice, winning in both 2014 and 2019. In 2017, he was appointed Minister of Power in Modi's first cabinet. However, he lost his seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.