With Bihar’s assembly elections on the horizon, the political landscape is undergoing intense scrutiny. The BJP’s recent committee formations have excluded RK Singh, a prominent Rajput leader and former Union Minister. This exclusion is viewed as a consequence of Singh’s emerging dissent within the party.
Singh has denied reports of him leaving the BJP, reaffirming his commitment to remaining a party member. Despite these public assurances, the party appears to have sidelined him. This move has ignited questions about the potential repercussions of Singh’s actions and his ability to influence the Rajput vote bank.
Singh has publicly criticized the BJP, accusing it of marginalization and internal sabotage. He has also hinted at exploring alternative political options. Although he has reiterated his allegiance to the BJP, his actions have created uncertainty.
Speculation has swirled around Singh potentially joining Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraj party, fueled by allegations against BJP leaders. The party’s leadership is keenly observing Singh’s moves, especially those involving the Rajput community.
A recent visit by Home Minister Amit Shah to Bihar was perceived by some as an attempt to quell Singh’s rebellion. While local leaders suggest Singh’s discontent is confined to certain individuals, the BJP is taking steps to address the concerns of the Rajput community.
The BJP is formulating strategies to maintain Rajput support, including incorporating key Rajput figures in the campaign and potentially using Yogi Adityanath’s influence. Local leaders downplay Singh’s impact on Rajput voters, asserting their support for PM Modi’s policies and development initiatives.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Singh faced defeat in Ara, attributing the loss to internal sabotage. Now, the question is whether Singh will leverage the Rajput card to pressure the party, given the community’s significant influence.
Recent census data shows Rajputs represent 3.45% of Bihar’s population. Their political alignment has shifted over time, with a strong lean toward the NDA since 2014.
The Rajput community’s influence is reflected in their representation in the assembly, with 20 MLAs in 2015 and 28 in 2020. The BJP-JDU and RJD-Congress alliances have both relied on Rajput candidates. The BJP has nominated a substantial number of Rajput candidates in prior elections with varying results, while the RJD and Congress have had mixed success.
