In a rare and explosive political intervention, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister RK Singh has publicly urged voters in Bihar to reject candidates with criminal backgrounds—including those fielded by his own party and alliance. Singh’s remarks, made via a social media post on October 20, 2025, specifically named Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and JD(U) candidate Anant Singh, calling them “tainted” and unfit for public office. The statement has triggered a political storm in the state, with opposition parties seizing the moment to question the NDA’s candidate selection and internal cohesion.
Singh’s post advised voters to “shun candidates with criminal records, even if they belong to your caste,” and suggested opting for NOTA (None of the Above) if no clean candidate is available. His comments come just weeks before the Bihar Assembly Elections, where caste dynamics and criminal allegations have once again taken center stage.
🧠 Key Highlights of RK Singh’s Statement
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Speaker | RK Singh, BJP leader and former Union Minister |
| Date | October 20, 2025 |
| Platform | Social media post |
| Targeted Candidates | Samrat Choudhary (Tarapur), Anant Singh (Mokama) |
| Core Message | Reject tainted candidates, vote for clean governance |
| Suggested Alternative | NOTA if no clean option available |
| Political Impact | Internal rift, opposition leverage, voter confusion |
Singh’s remarks have been interpreted as a direct challenge to the NDA’s moral authority, especially as Choudhary is a key face of the BJP’s campaign in Bihar.
📊 Timeline of RK Singh’s Political Intervention
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| October 19 | Internal BJP meeting on candidate strategy |
| October 20 | RK Singh posts public message urging voter caution |
| October 21 | Opposition leaders respond, demand candidate review |
| October 22 | NDA leadership meets to address fallout |
The timing of Singh’s statement has intensified scrutiny on the criminal records of candidates across party lines.
🗣️ Reactions from Political Leaders, Analysts, and Voters
- Tejashwi Yadav (RJD): “Even BJP leaders are ashamed of their candidates. Bihar deserves better.”
- Samrat Choudhary (BJP): “RK Singh’s views are personal. I serve the people with integrity.”
- Political Analyst: “This is unprecedented. A senior leader breaking ranks before elections.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| BJP Leadership | Attempting damage control, downplaying rift |
| Opposition Parties | Amplifying Singh’s message for voter outreach |
| Voters | Mixed reactions, increased awareness |
| Media | Framing it as a credibility crisis |
The controversy has also reignited debates on electoral reforms, criminalization of politics, and voter education.
🧾 Comparative Snapshot: Criminal Allegations Against Key Bihar Candidates
| Candidate Name | Party Affiliation | Constituency | Allegations | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samrat Choudhary | BJP | Tarapur | Multiple FIRs | Pending |
| Anant Singh | JD(U) | Mokama | Arms Act, extortion | Under trial |
| Surendra Yadav | RJD | Belaganj | Land grab, assault | Bail granted |
| Vinod Singh | CPI(ML) | Ara | Protest-related charges | Cleared |
RK Singh’s call for clean candidates has put pressure on all parties to justify their nominations.
🧭 What to Watch in Bihar’s Electoral Landscape
- Candidate Review: Whether NDA revises its list amid backlash
- Voter Sentiment: Impact of Singh’s message on caste-based voting
- NOTA Usage: Possible spike in constituencies with controversial candidates
- Party Discipline: BJP’s response to internal dissent
The episode may influence electoral strategy, media narratives, and voter turnout in key constituencies across Bihar.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified political statements, election coverage, and media reports as of October 21, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute political endorsement, legal advice, or campaign messaging and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
