Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party is set to contest all constituencies in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.
Prashant Kishor (Picture Courtesy: ANI)
Patna: Former election strategist Prashant Kishor has officially entered the political arena with the launch of his much-anticipated political party, Jan Suraaj. The party, which plans to contest all seats in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, will be led by retired Indian Foreign Service officer Manoj Bharti. Kishor has vowed to end the state’s prohibition on liquor, redirecting the resulting revenue towards bolstering the education sector.
Prashant Kishor, known for his unique approach to election campaigns, aims to shift the state’s voting patterns from caste-based politics and election freebies to a focus on visionary development. According to him, the decision on who should lead the party was left to the people who have supported his movement for over two years.
Kishor has spent more than two years traveling across Bihar, raising awareness about what he believes should be the real agenda in state elections. Earlier this year, he announced his readiness to launch Jan Suraaj as a formal political party, positioning it as a fresh alternative to the long-standing RJD-BJP dominance in the state.
“In Bihar, for the last 25 to 30 years, the people have been limited to choosing between RJD or BJP. This needs to change. The new alternative should be free from dynastic politics and be led by people genuinely interested in serving the state,” Kishor said.
The formation of Jan Suraaj follows Kishor’s brief involvement with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United and his rejection of an offer from the Congress Party’s “Empowered Action Group” in 2022. His refusal to join Congress was marked by sharp criticism of the party’s inability to address internal structural problems.
Kishor launched Jan Suraaj with a state-wide yatra (journey), calling the establishment of the party only a midpoint in his long-term plan. His goal is to visit every village in Bihar to engage with residents on how to improve their living standards. He has urged voters to reject leaders who manipulate them and instead focus on key issues like education, agriculture, and employment.
As the next phase of his movement unfolds, Kishor plans to present a comprehensive blueprint for addressing Bihar’s challenges, offering practical solutions aimed at the state’s progress.
