The BRICS TimesTaking a dig at the BJP, Prashant Kishor also said that the BJP “has developed a reputation” of forming the government in Bihar regardless of who wins.
Jan Suraaj Leader Alleges Intimidation
Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) founder Prashant Kishor spoke out on Tuesday. He attacked the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kishor alleged a new trend of “hijacking and intimidating candidates to pull out of the race.” These comments came as three JSP candidates withdrew. Their withdrawal happened just days before the assembly polls in Bihar.
Questions Raised Over NDA Pressure Tactics
Kishor stated that the JSP will not surrender to the NDA’s pressure or intimidation tactics. He demanded clarity on why Union ministers Amit Shah and Dharmendra Pradhan met his party candidates. People need to know the circumstances leading to their withdrawal, he added. A common belief was that the BJP would form the government even if it lost the election. Horse trading of lawmakers is a well-known practice. Now, top BJP leaders are allegedly holding clean-image JSP candidates hostage. Kishor asked, “What can a non-political person trying to usher in change do if he or she has to face the home minister out of the blue and put under intense pressure to pull back?”
JSP: A Threat to Status Quo
Kishor explained that the JSP’s problem is challenging the current setup. The party offers a new option of cleaner, passionate candidates. Both the NDA and the INDIA bloc do not fear each other. They benefit from the lack of other choices for voters. However, they fear the JSP because it fields good, clean candidates. Kishor highlighted that over 95% of JSP candidates have a clean record. They are all rising from the party’s own internal ranks.
Plea to Election Commission
Kishor urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to stop this dangerous trend. “If the candidates are not safe, how can the voters be expected to vote without fear and temptation?” he asked. He noted that three JSP candidates suddenly withdrew after starting their campaigns. This was due to clear pressure, coercion, and intimidation. This coercion was direct or through family and friends. The affected seats were Danapur (Akhilesh Kumar), Brahmapur (Satya Prakash Tiwari), and Gopalganj (Shashi Shekhar Sinha). He confirmed that “240 remain to fight it out to end the corrupt regime.”
Another Candidate’s Struggle and Response
Kishor also mentioned a scheme to stop Drig Narain Prasad from contesting. He is the only Tharu community candidate on a general seat in Valmikinagar. Prasad was a school teacher and resigned two years ago. His resignation was accepted by the block education officer. Yet, now it is claimed the district education officer did not accept it. The party is currently investigating the matter. JSP will formally write to the ECI regarding these serious developments. In Danapur, the RJD’s “incarcerated” Reet Lal Yadav is contesting. In Brahmapur, LJP’s “strongman” Hulas Pandey is in the fray. Kishor cited rumors that Yadav’s goons abducted the JSP candidate. This happened after he left to file his nomination. However, he was later seen with Shah and Pradhan. The ECI must address this before its credibility is completely lost. People have a crucial task to vote for good, clean candidates this time.
Status Quo Feared
Kishor said the NDA and the Opposition enjoyed the status quo for 35 years. They held people to ransom as bonded labourers due to no third choice. Now, they fear the JSP’s arrival as a threat to their plan. Patna Sahib candidate and mathematician KC Sinha is also facing pressure. Kishor thanked him for standing firm. “Out of 243 seats, some candidates may crack under pressure,” he said. But the JSP is a “family of 15 million.” The NDA and the BJP offered no immediate comment.
