Patna: The entry of former political strategist Prashant Kishor into the Janata Dal United has triggered questions on the future role of R.C.P. Singh, so far perceived as the confidant-in-chief of Nitish Kumar.

Sources in the JDU viewed Kishor's entry as a move by the chief minister to "unburden RCP" of a few responsibilities.

According to these sources, Singh, a former IAS officer, has remained a bureaucrat at heart despite being in political life for around six years.

"He seldom meets political workers and leaders. He runs a political party like an official. He has failed to understand the importance of timing. He went on a tour across the state in July when labourers and farmers are busy in sowing. It resulted in thin crowds at his meetings. RCP has failed to emerge as a leader in his own right," said a senior JDU leader, recalling that in the Grand Alliance days, RJD boss Lalu Prasad did not even acknowledge the existence of RCP and preferred to talk to Nitish directly.

A section of JDU leaders also questioned Singh's grip over ground reality. "In 2014, even before joining the NDA, Ram Vilas Paswan had showed interest in aligning with the JDU for the Lok Sabha polls. The offer was spurned because Nitish was made to believe that the JDU would sweep the polls," said the JDU leader.

For some time now, there have been murmurs in the party that signs of Nitish clipping Singh's wings emerged when the chief minister picked Harivansh for the post of Rajya Sabha vice-chairman. But the JDU source asserted that Singh still remained an important leader.

"RCP is not out of favour of Nitish Kumar. He belongs to the same caste and district of Nitish Kumar. He, along with Lallan Singh, was part of the team which negotiated seat-sharing with the BJP. RCP's problems lie elsewhere. He has not been able to rejuvenate the party despite being considered number 2. Prashant Kishor can become useful in revitalising the party. Even though he may have to play second fiddle," said the JDU senior.

The Opposition, especially the RJD, has been persistent in its attacks on Singh, even accusing the government of charging an "RCP tax" for projects.

Singh has vehemently denied the charges.

"I have been an IAS officer and an IRS officer. I have never heard of 'RCP Tax'. If there is such a tax, I should be given commission. Perhaps those who are busy in collecting commission talk about it. I have challenged both father and son (read Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav) to bring forward even one case in which a person has paid that tax," Singh said on Tuesday.