Won’t Contest in Bihar, Party Has Decided: Prashant Kishor’s Big Announcement

Focus Remains on Jan Suraaj Movement

Kishor emphasized that his priority remains the Jan Suraaj movement, a citizen-driven initiative aimed at transforming Bihar’s governance model.

“This is not about winning or losing an election,” Kishor said. “Jan Suraaj is a mission to rebuild Bihar’s political culture and bring development to the people who have been ignored for decades.”

The movement, launched in 2022, has been actively conducting padayatras (foot marches) across Bihar to engage directly with the public on issues such as unemployment, education, and healthcare.

According to Kishor, contesting elections at this stage would distract from Jan Suraaj’s primary goal — building a people-centric political alternative rather than relying on traditional party politics.

Kishor’s Political Journey So Far

Before launching Jan Suraaj, Prashant Kishor had earned a formidable reputation as one of India’s top political strategists. He played a key role in Narendra Modi’s 2014 Lok Sabha campaign, followed by successful election strategies for Nitish Kumar, Mamata Banerjee, and Jagan Mohan Reddy.

However, Kishor eventually distanced himself from mainstream political consulting to focus on Bihar’s social and developmental challenges. His foray into active politics through Jan Suraaj was widely seen as an attempt to create a new political identity beyond strategy rooms and consultancy roles.

Reactions from Bihar’s Political Circles

Kishor’s announcement has triggered varied reactions across the political spectrum. While some leaders praised his commitment to grassroots work, others criticized him for “avoiding accountability” by not contesting.

Political analysts believe this decision could be part of a long-term strategy, allowing Kishor to strengthen his organizational base before taking a direct plunge into electoral politics in future elections.

What Lies Ahead for Jan Suraaj

The Jan Suraaj campaign is expected to expand its outreach in the coming months, focusing on rural development and civic engagement programs. Kishor hinted that the movement’s future decisions — including potential election participation — would depend on the people’s response and collective will of its members.

“We are not in a hurry. Bihar’s transformation will take time, patience, and people’s participation,” Kishor reiterated.