Prashant Kishor, renowned political strategist and founder of the Jan Suraaj movement, has urged the people of Bihar to consider a new political direction by supporting his initiative. Addressing a large gathering during his ongoing padyatra (foot march), Kishor emphasized the need for change in Bihar’s political landscape and called upon the public to reflect on their past experiences under various regimes.
He pointed out that Bihar has witnessed the governance of several prominent political leaders over the last few decades, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite these varying leadership styles, Kishor argued that the state continues to struggle with issues such as poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and poor infrastructure.
“People of Bihar have seen the rule of Lalu Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and even the influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Now, it’s time to think differently. If nothing has changed for the better, isn’t it time to try a new path?” Kishor said.
The Jan Suraaj movement, which translates to “Good Governance by the People,” aims to create a grassroots political model built on public consultation, community participation, and accountability. Kishor has been walking across villages and towns in Bihar, directly interacting with residents, gathering feedback, and highlighting local governance challenges.
According to him, the traditional parties have failed to deliver lasting development in Bihar. He stated that while some leaders made efforts, the impact on ground realities has remained limited. Kishor also criticized the political culture that prioritizes vote-bank politics and short-term promises over structural and long-term improvements.
He stressed that Jan Suraaj is not just a political campaign but a people’s movement aiming to bring systemic change. “We are not here to make false promises. We are here to build a long-term vision for Bihar. A vision where governance is shaped by the people and for the people,” he added.
Prashant Kishor’s past as a successful election strategist for several national and regional parties gives weight to his new political initiative. However, he maintains that Jan Suraaj is not aligned with any existing political formation and that his movement is focused entirely on the state’s future.
The movement has been slowly gaining traction, particularly among the youth and civil society members. Kishor has also indicated that if the people of Bihar express confidence in Jan Suraaj, he would consider transforming it into a full-fledged political party ahead of the upcoming elections.
Analysts note that Kishor’s emphasis on direct public engagement and rejection of traditional political practices may appeal to a section of voters disillusioned with mainstream politics. However, converting this grassroots support into electoral success remains a significant challenge.
As the political narrative in Bihar continues to evolve, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj movement adds a new dimension to the state’s political discourse — one that seeks to shift the focus from personalities to principles and policies.
