As Bihar prepares for the 2025 Assembly elections, Prashant Kishor launches his new party. The big question is, can it make a difference?
Prashant Kishor has entered Bihar politics with a clear message: his role is that of a guide, not a contender for power. “My work is like that of a potter who shapes the best with the right tools. We aim to bring forward the best people in society,” he stated, dismissing speculations about his ambitions for the Chief Minister’s post. He reiterated that his newly launched party, ‘Jansuraj,’ will be run by its members, not him, and he would only contest elections if the party deemed it necessary.
Kishor’s move has stirred the political waters in Bihar. His party’s announcement to contest the upcoming Assembly elections has sparked debates on its potential impact on major alliances, the NDA, and the India Alliance. A former election strategist for both PM Narendra Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Kishor has not aligned with the Congress or the RJD. Some political analysts even suggest that his presence might benefit the BJP by weakening the RJD’s support base, an idea that gained traction following the rally and Muslim unity meeting in Patna.
Despite his history with the BJP, Kishor has not held back from criticising Nitish Kumar’s governance. The Janata Dal (United) (JDU), however, remains firm on its stance, with leaders affirming that Nitish Kumar is still Bihar’s true leader. In a recent meeting, JDU’s acting national president Sanjay Jha dismissed any doubts about Kumar’s relevance, pointing to the party’s resilience despite various narratives circulating before the elections.