New Delhi, November 15, 2025 — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a serious disciplinary move against former Union Minister R.K. Singh, citing his recent critical statements and conduct as acts of indiscipline. The decision underlines growing internal tensions within the party, particularly as the next phase of Bihar politics looms.
Background: Singh’s Public Dissent
R.K. Singh, a seasoned BJP leader who previously held key roles in the Union government, has publicly challenged several senior BJP figures. He has demanded that Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and state BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal either “come clean” on corruption charges made by Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, or resign from their positions.
Singh has sharply criticized their silence on Kishor’s accusations, calling it damaging to the party’s credibility.
Additionally, he has alleged that a major power plant deal in Bihar — the Bhagalpur thermal project — involved large-scale corruption, saying that his estimates during his tenure as Power Minister suggest a ₹62,000 crore loss to the state exchequer.
BJP’s Response: A Disciplinary Crackdown
According to party sources, BJP’s organizational general secretary Ram Lal summoned R.K. Singh and expressed “extreme displeasure” over his public criticisms. The party told him explicitly to refrain from making controversial remarks and to confine his issues to internal forums.
By taking this step, the BJP is signaling that it will not tolerate open dissent, especially in the run-up to major state-level elections where unity is critical. This move reflects a broader strategy to rein in voices perceived as divisive or damaging to the party brand.
Singh’s Defense: Not Against the BJP, But Against Corruption
In his defense, R.K. Singh has maintained that his criticisms are not aimed at the BJP as a whole but at specific individuals whom he accuses of wrongdoing. He told interviewers that he is “not attacking the party” but rather calling out “those people who have sold the state.”
He has also made it clear that he has no intention of leaving the BJP. Instead, he says he remains committed to internal reform. In fact, when questioned about potential disciplinary action, he challenged the party, stating that if they punish him for speaking out, it would prove his point about their complicity.
Wider Implications — Internal Rift Ahead of Bihar Polls
Political observers believe this confrontation between Singh and the BJP leadership highlights deeper fissures within the party, particularly in Bihar. After his 2024 Lok Sabha election defeat from the Arrah constituency, Singh publicly blamed a conspiracy by his own party colleagues for undermining his campaign.
RJD and other opposition parties have seized on his remarks to point to a growing power struggle inside the BJP. Meanwhile, Singh has warned the BJP and the JD(U) that if accused leaders are fielded again, he may actively campaign against them.
What This Means for the BJP
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Brand risk: Singh’s high-profile dissent could damage the BJP’s image of internal discipline, especially if more senior leaders side with him.
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Election tension: With Bihar assembly elections on the horizon, any public internal conflict could be politically costly.
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Policy credibility: Singh’s corruption allegations, especially relating to large infrastructure projects, could force the party to respond substantively, not just politically.
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Precedent: The party’s response may set a benchmark for how it treats dissenting voices within its ranks in the future.
Conclusion
The BJP’s decision to take strong action against R.K. Singh comes at a politically sensitive time and underscores the fine balance the party must maintain between enforcing discipline and accommodating internal dissent. While Singh insists he speaks for transparency and reform, the party appears determined to curb public rebellion. The fallout from this confrontation could shape not only the party’s internal cohesion but also its electoral fortunes in Bihar.
