Prashant Kishor Vows Comeback After Bihar Debacle: “Defeat Is a Lesson, Not an Exit Plan”

 

Prashant Kishor Rejects Exit Talk After Bihar Poll Rout

After the Jan Suraj Party’s complete failure to secure even one seat in the Bihar Assembly elections, Prashant Kishor firmly dismissed any suggestion of retiring from politics. While Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was taking oath in Patna, Kishor held a day-long silent fast at the Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram—an act he described as reflection, not retreat.

Kishor, who undertook a year-long padyatra to understand Bihar’s ground realities, said the election outcome was disappointing but not discouraging.

Allegations of Cash Transfers Influencing Votes

Kishor reiterated his accusation that money was distributed to women during the MCC period. He claimed that more than two lakh grassroots government-linked workers—Jeevika Didis, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, Tola Sevaks and others—were mobilised to influence women voters.

According to him, the real temptation for voters was the NDA’s promise of ₹2 lakh for self-employment. “The lure isn’t just the ₹10,000 given now. It is the dream of standing on their own feet,” he said.

Opposition Silent? Kishor Questions Their Strategy

When asked why RJD, Congress, and other opposition parties were not levelling similar accusations, Kishor pointed out that each party chooses its battles. “Most parties become active only during elections. They complain, but do not fight consistently on the ground,” he said.

He added that if political players believe EVMs are compromised, they should build a mass movement demanding ballot-paper elections instead of “fighting and complaining at the same time.”

Return to the People: Jan Suraj 2.0

Kishor said Jan Suraj would undergo a complete restructuring after the defeat. He announced a renewed outreach mission starting 15 August, during which he plans to visit every village in Bihar and reconnect with people.

He said the party would meet women who received cash transfers, help them understand the promises made, and hold the government accountable for unfulfilled commitments.

Admits Shortcomings but Rejects Suggestions of Misreading the Mood

While critics argue Kishor misjudged Bihar’s political climate, he insists otherwise. He argued that the JDU’s performance exceeded expectations only due to support from other political forces.

Kishor acknowledged that Jan Suraj struggled with organisational capacity. “We could not convert crowds into votes, but the crowds did come,” he said. He conceded that Jan Suraj’s ideological and structural roots were not yet deep enough in Bihar.

Setback Within the NDA: Nitish Loses Home Portfolio

Kishor also highlighted changes within the NDA government, especially the decision to give the Home portfolio—long held by Nitish Kumar—to BJP leader Samrat Chaudhary.
Analysts see this as a significant internal shift, though JDU leaders argue there is “nothing unusual”.

A Personal Blow, But Not a Breaking Point

Kishor admitted the defeat was emotionally difficult, saying, “I put everything I had into Bihar. It feels like failing an exam despite full preparation.”

He emphasised, however, that the loss only strengthened his resolve to continue his political journey. “Not once did I think of leaving politics,” he said. “This pain is also part of life, just as earlier victories belonged to others.”

Story: Staff BlazeB
Pic Courtesy: AI generated