Former Union Minister RK Singh has dramatically resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), challenging the party to define what constitutes ‘anti-party activities’ against him. The suspension, issued by the Bihar BJP unit on November 15, followed Singh’s outspoken criticism of candidate selection and leadership during the recent Bihar Assembly elections. Singh stated that he submitted his resignation to party president JP Nadda after receiving a showcause notice, emphasizing his bewilderment over the accusations. He argued that advocating against fielding candidates with criminal or corrupt backgrounds is not an anti-party stance but rather a measure to protect the BJP’s image and integrity. Singh publicly criticized the inclusion of figures like Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Anant Singh, a gangster-turned-politician, asserting that such decisions compromise ethical standards and national interest. He expressed his discomfort with remaining in a party that tolerates such compromises, insisting his comments were for the party’s benefit. This fallout occurs shortly after the NDA’s victory in Bihar, amidst whispers of internal discord. Singh’s past critiques, including sharp remarks on the Election Commission and governance failures during the polls, such as the killing of a Jan Suraaj supporter, have reportedly exacerbated tensions with the Bihar BJP leadership. The party’s disciplinary actions extend to MLC Ashok Kumar Agarwal and his wife, Mayor Usha Agarwal, suspended for allegedly supporting their son’s independent candidacy. These moves signal a push for stricter internal discipline ahead of government formation and political restructuring in Bihar.
