PK launches yatra from JP's birthplace
2
Patna:
Jan Suraaj
founder
Prashant Kishor
on Tuesday launched the "
Bihar Badlao Yatra
" from Sitab Diara, the ancestral village of socialist icon
Jaiprakash Narayan
in Bihar's Saran district. The yatra is widely seen as a move to build public awareness about the need for systemic change and present an alternative in the next assembly elections.
Kishor began the yatra after paying floral tributes at JP's statue and visiting his ancestral home. He expressed dismay over its condition. "JP's followers are enjoying air conditioning in their homes while JP's house in Sitab Diara remains enveloped in pitch darkness," Kishor told reporters. He urged the govt to restore electricity to the house through public donations.
"I have not come to see JP's deteriorating house but to draw inspiration from the birthplace of Loknayak.
However, witnessing the condition here strengthens my resolve for change in Bihar," he said.
Criticising those claiming to be JP's ideological heirs, Kishor added, "JP gave a call for 'total revolution' aimed at 'Vyavastha Parivartan'. Sadly, neither has the system changed nor has there been any improvement. Those who claim to be his disciples have run governments riddled with corruption and nepotism."
Kishor announced that he would cover all 243 assembly constituencies over the next 120 days, without taking a break or returning home, and would address two rallies daily.
His yatra comes in the wake of a poor performance in the recent by-elections. Except for one seat, Jan Suraaj candidates lost their deposits in three out of four contests held in Nov. Kishor launched the party in Oct last year.
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