The BRICS TimesBihar Assembly Elections 2025: Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor’s decision not to contest is a strategic step. He aims for Jan Suraaj to win over 150 out of 243 seats in the upcoming polls.
Prashant Kishor has launched his new party, Jan Suraaj, into the Bihar election arena. This happens alongside established leaders like Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav. Jan Suraaj has announced candidates for all seats. This move signals a challenge against the existing political system. However, Prashant Kishor himself isn’t standing for election. He stated Jan Suraaj will either “soar to great heights or fall flat.”
Prashant Kishor Eyeing Nitish-Lalu’s Position
Prashant Kishor has previously worked as a political strategist for both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. He is actively working to replace Nitish and Lalu in Bihar’s caste-based politics. The big question is whether staying out of the election will benefit him. Or will it prove to be a strategic misstep?
Rumors suggested Prashant Kishor might directly challenge RJD heir Tejashwi Yadav. This was speculated in Raghupur, the traditional Lalu family stronghold. These rumors weren’t baseless. Prashant Kishor had hinted at contesting from the strongholds of either Nitish Kumar or Tejashwi Yadav on multiple occasions. The speculation ended when he fielded Chanchal Singh against Tejashwi instead.
Why Prashant Kishor Won’t Contest
Prashant Kishor explained his decision not to run. He said party members advised him to focus on ensuring other party candidates win. Political analyst Kumar Vijay supported Prashant Kishor’s decision. Speaking to the Times of India, he said focusing on one constituency would prevent him from spending time with all party candidates.
‘Giving Time to Candidates is a Wise Decision’
Kumar Vijay, a political expert, was quoted in the Times of India report. He said, “He (Prashant Kishor) has taken the right decision. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is also an MLC.” He stressed that whoever leads a party needs more time. “If he focuses on one constituency, he won’t give enough time to his party candidates.” He noted this is their first election across all of Bihar. “Being the sole star of his party, I believe he thought giving time to his candidates was a wise decision.”
He added, “In the current scenario, the NDA and Mahagathbandhan created chaos in Bihar, especially over ticket distribution.” He believes this gives Jan Suraaj an edge. “These parties (NDA-Mahagathbandhan) created confusion.” Prashant Kishor has set a goal for Jan Suraaj in the Bihar political arena. He aims to win more than 150 out of the 243 seats. Anything less will be considered a loss.
