Former Union Minister and BJP leader RCP Singh has launched a new party 'Aap Saabki Aawaz' (ASA). The former union ministry has not announced his decision to join either the INDIA bloc or the ruling NDA alliance in Bihar. 


However, speaking during a press conference in his ancestral village in Nalanda district, Singh has opened up on the future alliance ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar, scheduled next year. 


When asked about wehther he would join the NDA or the INDIA Bloc, RCP Singh said, “I am completely open. I like both the alliances. I have no issues with any of the two alliance. Once ASA becomes stronger, we’ll see who considers us worthy and decide on an alliance accordingly."


RCP Singh, who quit Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U), is seen as a cultural icon by the powerful OBC community Kurmi. He has made it clear that his party was looking forward to contesting the Bihar Assembly polls next year and already had prospective candidates for “140 out of 243 seats”.


Speaking of his party, Singh said that ASA was established around six weeks ago and added that he is working to lay a strong foundation for the party. 


“We are a team of organizers, working to lay a strong foundation for the party. Soon, we will strengthen the organization at the booth level,” he said.


The former minister also hit out Nitish Kumar saying that the JD(U) leader has been CM for such a long time, then why would he need to undertake a tour of the state?


"Tours are sometimes necessary, but Nitish Babu has been the Chief Minister for so many years. He has worked for women, and while more can be done, why does he need to undertake such tours? He regularly visits areas and interacts with officials. These tours are generally for those who are out of touch. You’ve been in power for 20 years; why do you need a tour?" Singh questioned. 


RCP Singh, hailing from the same Nalanda district as the Bihar CM, was an Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer, and on central deputation, he first came in contact with Kumar, then the railway minister. 


After assuming power in Bihar in 2005, Kumar, who was visibly impressed with the administrative acumen of Singh, persuaded the latter to come to Bihar as his principal secretary.


However, Singh quit JD(U) last year after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) sought an explanation on allegations of corruption levelled against him. He soon joined the BJP and launched a scathing attack on Nitish Kumar, calling him a 'palti maar' (someone who switches allegiances).