On October 31, 2024, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, popularly known as RCP Singh, announced the formation of his new political party, Aap Sabki Aawaz, in Patna, Bihar. This news marked a new chapter in his long and eventful career. RCP Singh is an Indian politician, former IAS officer, and a key figure in Bihar politics. His journey from a small village to the national stage is inspiring. This article tells the complete story of his life in simple words, covering his early days, education, career, family, and political achievements.
Early Life and Family
RCP Singh was born on July 6, 1958, in Mustafapur village, Nalanda district, Bihar. His parents were Sukhdeo Narayan Singh and Dukhalalo Devi. He grew up in a simple family belonging to the Kurmi caste, which is an Other Backward Class (OBC) community in Bihar. His childhood was spent in his village, where he learned the value of hard work. His parents encouraged him to study and dream big.
On May 21, 1982, RCP Singh married Girija Singh. They have two daughters, Lipi Singh and Lata Singh. Lipi is a 2016-batch IPS officer, known for her brave work in Bihar. She earned the title "Lady Singham" for her actions against criminals. Lata is a lawyer, practicing law with dedication. RCP Singh’s family is close-knit, and he often speaks proudly of his daughters’ achievements.
Education
RCP Singh was a bright student from a young age. He completed his primary education in his village school at Hussainpur, Nalanda. Later, he joined Patna Science College for his higher secondary education. He worked hard and passed his twelfth grade with good marks. In 1979, he graduated from Patna College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History (Honours). His love for learning did not stop there.
He moved to New Delhi for higher studies. At Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), he earned a Master’s degree in International Relations in 1982. His education gave him a strong foundation for his future career. He was determined to serve the country, and his studies helped him understand the world better.
RCP Singh Age, IAS Rank, Biography, Wife, Daughter & Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ram Chandra Prasad Singh |
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1958 |
| Place of Birth | Mustafapur village, Nalanda district, Bihar, India |
| Parents | Father: Sukhdeo Narayan Singh Mother: Dukhalalo Devi |
| Caste | Kurmi (Other Backward Class - OBC) |
| Education | - Primary: Village school, Hussainpur, Nalanda - Higher Secondary: Patna Science College - B.A. (History Honours): Patna College, 1979 - M.A. (International Relations): JNU, 1982 |
| Marriage | Married to Girija Singh on May 21, 1982 |
| Children | - Lipi Singh (IPS officer, 2016 batch, "Lady Singham") - Lata Singh (Lawyer) |
| Early Career | - Cleared Civil Services Exam, 1984 - Briefly in Indian Revenue Service (IRS) - Joined IAS (UP cadre), 1984 - Served as Joint Magistrate, CDO, and DM in Sultanpur, Kanpur, Barabanki, Hamirpur, Fatehpur, Rampur |
| Key Administrative Roles | - Private Secretary to Nitish Kumar (Union Minister), late 1990s - Principal Secretary to Nitish Kumar (Bihar CM), 2005 |
| Political Entry | - Voluntary retirement from IAS, 2010 - Joined Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], 2010 |
| Rajya Sabha Tenure | - Elected from Bihar: 2010–2022 - Served in committees on Railways, External Affairs, Home Affairs |
| JD(U) Roles | - General Secretary - General Secretary (Organisation) - National President: Dec 27, 2020 – Jul 31, 2021 |
| Union Minister | Minister of Steel (Narendra Modi govt): Jul 7, 2021 – Jul 6, 2022 |
| Exit from JD(U) | - Resigned Aug 6, 2022, after corruption allegations - Denied charges, called JD(U) a “sinking ship” |
| Corruption Allegations | - JD(U) accused him of illegally buying 58 land plots (2013–2022) - Denied, said purchases were legal and declared |
| Joining BJP | Joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in May 2023 |
| New Political Party | - Founded Aap Sabki Aawaz (ASA): Oct 31, 2024, Patna - Plans to contest 140 seats in 2025 Bihar Assembly elections |
| Party Symbol & Vision | - ASA flag: Green, yellow, blue - Focus: Education, law enforcement, modern technology (mobile apps for voters) |
| Controversies | - 2020: Daughter Lipi Singh criticized for Munger firing, removed by EC - 2022: Land purchase allegations by JD(U) - 2023: Relative attacked in Nalanda, blamed JD(U) |
| Personal Traits | Calm, composed, hardworking; “man of few words” |
| Current Status (May 2025) | Leading Aap Sabki Aawaz; preparing for 2025 Bihar Assembly elections |
| Legacy | Rose from village boy to IAS officer, Union Minister, and party leader; inspires with his journey of hard work and dedication |
Early Career as an IAS Officer
After completing his education, RCP Singh prepared for the civil services exam. His hard work paid off when he cleared the exam in 1984. He first joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) for income tax but soon resigned. He was selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the same year. He was assigned to the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
As an IAS officer, RCP Singh worked in many roles. His first posting was as a Joint Magistrate in Sultanpur district. Later, he served as Chief Development Officer in Kanpur Nagar and Kanpur Dehat. He also worked as Collector and District Magistrate in Barabanki, Hamirpur, Fatehpur, and Rampur districts. His work was always honest and efficient.
In the late 1990s, RCP Singh became the private secretary to Nitish Kumar, who was then a Union Minister. This was the start of a long relationship with Nitish Kumar. When Nitish became Bihar’s Chief Minister in 2005, he chose RCP Singh as his Principal Secretary. RCP Singh’s administrative skills impressed everyone. He worked closely with Nitish Kumar, earning his trust.
Entry into Politics
In 2010, RCP Singh took voluntary retirement from the IAS. He decided to join politics. Nitish Kumar welcomed him into the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) party. The same year, RCP Singh was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar. He served as a Member of Parliament from 2010 to 2022. He was active in committees on Railways, External Affairs, and Home Affairs.
Within JD(U), RCP Singh rose quickly. He became the General Secretary of the party. Later, he was made General Secretary (Organisation). His calm nature and hard work made him popular. On December 27, 2020, he became the National President of JD(U). He held this post until July 31, 2021. His leadership helped the party stay strong during tough times.
Role in National Politics
In July 2021, RCP Singh reached a new milestone. He was appointed Union Minister of Steel in the Narendra Modi government. This was a proud moment for him and his supporters. He worked hard to improve the steel industry. However, his time as a minister was short. In May 2022, JD(U) did not give him another Rajya Sabha term. This forced him to resign as Union Minister on July 6, 2022.
His exit from the Union Cabinet was not smooth. JD(U) accused him of corruption. They claimed he and his family bought 58 plots of land between 2013 and 2022. RCP Singh denied these charges. He said all purchases were legal and mentioned in income tax returns. On August 6, 2022, he resigned from JD(U). He called the party a “sinking ship” and criticized Nitish Kumar.
Joining BJP and New Party
After leaving JD(U), RCP Singh joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in May 2023. He hoped to continue his political career with BJP. However, he felt sidelined in the party. On October 31, 2024, he announced his own political party, Aap Sabki Aawaz (ASA). He chose this day because it was Diwali and the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, a leader admired by the Kurmi community.
RCP Singh said ASA would fight for the people of Bihar. He announced plans to contest 140 seats in the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election. His new party aims to use modern technology, like mobile apps, to connect with voters. The party’s flag has green, yellow, and blue colors, symbolizing hope and unity.
Controversies
RCP Singh’s career has not been without challenges. In 2020, his daughter Lipi Singh faced criticism. As SP of Munger, she was linked to a police firing incident during a Durga idol immersion. The Election Commission removed her from the post. RCP Singh defended her, saying she was doing her duty.
In 2022, the corruption allegations by JD(U) caused a stir. Party leaders claimed RCP Singh’s family bought land illegally. He strongly denied these claims. He challenged the party to investigate. Despite the controversy, he remained confident and continued his political journey.
Personal Traits and Legacy
RCP Singh is known for being calm and composed. People call him a “man of few words.” He prefers to work quietly and avoid the spotlight. His close bond with Nitish Kumar lasted over 20 years but ended due to political differences. Still, his supporters admire his dedication and honesty.
His journey from a village boy to a Union Minister is remarkable. He proved that hard work and education can change lives. His new party, Aap Sabki Aawaz, shows his determination to serve Bihar. He wants to improve education and law enforcement in the state. He often criticizes Bihar’s prohibition law, saying it has failed.
Current Status and Future Plans
As of May 2025, RCP Singh is focused on building Aap Sabki Aawaz. He is preparing for the 2025 Bihar elections. His supporters believe he can challenge big parties like JD(U) and BJP. Some compare him to Prashant Kishor, another Bihar leader with big plans. RCP Singh’s agenda is clear: he wants to give a voice to common people.
In September 2023, a relative of RCP Singh was attacked in Nalanda. He blamed JD(U) for the incident, saying they were scared of his growing influence. This event showed that his political battles are intense. Yet, he remains fearless and determined.
Conclusion
RCP Singh’s life is a story of struggle and success. Born in a small village, he became an IAS officer, a Union Minister, and now a party leader. His education, hard work, and courage shaped his career. Despite controversies, he never gave up. His new party, Aap Sabki Aawaz, is his latest effort to serve Bihar. As the 2025 elections approach, all eyes are on RCP Singh. Will he change Bihar’s politics? Only time will tell. For now, his journey inspires many to dream big and work hard.
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