Election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraaj, is set to formally launch a political party on October 2. Kishor, however, has stated that he has no desire to become the leader of the party, emphasizing that the leadership decision will be made by those who have been working with Jan Suraaj for the past two to two and a half years.
“Jan Suraaj will emerge as an alternate party. In Bihar, for the last 25 to 30 years, people have been voting either for the RJD or BJP. That compulsion must end,” said Kishor. He stressed the need for a political alternative that is not tied to dynastic politics but rather formed by the people. “On October 2, over 1 crore people will lay the foundation of this party. Its name, constitution, and provisions will be announced on that day,” he added.
A Party for the People
Kishor reiterated his intention not to assume leadership, stating, “I don’t wish to become the leader of the party. The leader will be chosen by those who have been part of this journey for the last two to two and a half years.”
Kishor also downplayed the significance of electoral victories, emphasizing a broader mission to create a better future for the people of Bihar. He criticized the electorate’s historical voting patterns, noting that they often cast their votes based on caste, religion, or short-term incentives like food grains.
“The most important thing is to tell society that you have never voted for education or jobs for your children. I travel to villages to explain this to people, and I will continue raising awareness. My aim is not just to form a party and win elections but to create a Bihar that attracts people from other states for jobs,” Kishor said.
Criticism of Nitish Kumar’s Leadership
Kishor did not hold back in his criticism of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing him of handing over the governance of the state to a small group of advisors. “Nitish Kumar has handed over the entire system to two or four of his advisors. Ask anyone in Bihar, and they will tell you that there is a ‘jungle raj’ of officers running the state,” Kishor alleged.
The former JD(U) member stated that the party’s future is bleak, comparing Nitish Kumar’s influence in JD(U) to the capital of a company. “When the capital ends, how will the company continue to run? It won’t. The party has no future,” Kishor remarked.
Kishor went on to claim that Nitish Kumar’s advisors were controlling major decisions related to land surveys, liquor policies, and smart meters. He also cast doubt on the chief minister’s physical and mental well-being, suggesting that his advisors were effectively running the government in his absence.
Commentary on National Politics
Kishor also turned his attention to the national political landscape, stating that the popularity and power of the Modi-led NDA government had declined. He predicted that the upcoming state elections in nine regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu, would play a critical role in determining the future stability of the BJP government.
“If the BJP performs well in these states, their power will remain intact. However, if the results go against them, questions about the government’s longevity will undoubtedly arise,” Kishor said.
He further criticized the BJP’s performance in Bihar, describing it as lackluster and directionless. “The BJP’s compulsion is that they cannot remove Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister, yet they also know they cannot win elections with him in that role. They need Nitish to run the government in Delhi,” he added.
Assessment of Rahul Gandhi
Kishor also weighed in on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asserting that while Gandhi’s leadership within Congress is now firmly established, he still has a long way to go before becoming a national leader.
“Rahul Gandhi made efforts over the past one and a half to two years, and he has benefitted from that. But while he is now the leader of Congress, he is not yet the leader of the country,” Kishor said. He compared Gandhi’s recent electoral success with his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, who faced significant political losses during her time. Kishor pointed out that despite Congress‘s win of 99 seats in the 2024 elections, Rahul Gandhi’s path to national leadership remains a challenging one.
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