Latest news with #JanSuraaj
News18
5 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Big Showdown In Patna As Prashant Kishor Marches To Bihar Assembly: ‘Will Surround Nitish Kumar'
Prashant Kishor attempted to march towards the Bihar Assembly along with his supporters and threatened to surround CM Nitish Kumar in his home. A scuffle broke out between Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor and Bihar Police on Wednesday as he attempted to march towards the Assembly, after which he threatened to surround Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in his home along with his supporters. He said that he wants to give a memorandum to Nitish, reminding him of his promise to the people of the state, and alleged that the government was refusing to hold a meeting with his party officials. Later, he informed that the chief secretary was talking with five senior leaders of his party. 'We want to peacefully give this memorandum of the people to the Chief Minister that in the last 2 years, he had promised to give Rs 2 lakh to 94 lakh families, but to date not a single family has received a single rupee," Kishor told news agency ANI. 'The fight has just begun. Three months are still left… People of Bihar want change and want to remove the corrupt. They cannot hide in the assembly and behind the police. We will give them a reply that the whole of Bihar will see. We will surround Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in his home, and the police can't do anything," the Jan Suraaj founder threatened. As he attempted to march towards the Bihar Assembly, a scuffle broke out between him and the police. He alleged that the cops did lathi charge on the protesters, in which a boy was injured. #WATCH | Patna, Bihar: A scuffle breaks out between Jan Suraaj Founder Prashant Kishor and the Bihar Police as he marches towards the Bihar assembly. — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2025 Kishor said that his supporters would 'make it difficult for the government to function" in the state. 'If you have hit an unarmed man of Suraaj with a stick, I'm sitting right here. This is a restricted area, try to hit me. We will make it difficult for the government to function in the whole of Bihar… You have hit a boy who got injury in his head… Either the chief secretary gives us in writing when they will give us the answers, or we won't move from here," he said. He stressed that the government has to 'bow down" in front of the public. 'We are waiting to see the outcome of the meeting. Police can't do anything; they have hit one boy. They are saying that this is a restricted area. We are sitting here and telling them to try to hit us," he said. view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 15:52 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Will Brahmins Form Bedrock Of Support For Prashant Kishor In Bihar?
Last Updated: To be fair to Kishor, despite being born a Brahmin, he has not explicitly positioned Jan Suraaj as a Brahmin-centric party. As poll fever gradually grips Bihar, political parties are gearing up for the campaign. The main rivals, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United) (JDU), and some minor partners, and the INDI Alliance, primarily made up of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress with a few minor players, are in the process of preparing their strategies. Meanwhile, the newcomer Jan Suraaj Party is already pushing ahead with full vigour. Prashant Kishor, a notable poll manager turned politician and Jan Suraaj Party's founder is often compared to Arvind Kejriwal of Delhi politics, even though he dislikes the comparison. This label has stuck due to his intense criticism of 'failed political leadership,' a tactic Kejriwal used effectively to gain power. Although our constitution aims to create a casteless society, Indian politics remains dominated by caste. A progressive leader with broad societal appeal still needs a caste or community vote base to survive in India's political landscape. A prime example is former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) founder Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal initially rose to prominence on an anti-corruption movement, but he managed to stay in power for almost 12 years with the support of the Bania caste, to which he belongs and which comprises six percent of Delhi's voters. While the Banias voted for the BJP in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, they shifted their support to Kejriwal in the 2015 and 2020 Delhi assembly polls. The Aam Aadmi Party could be removed from power in the 2025 assembly elections only if the Banias shift their support to the BJP. Prashant Kishor, who personally handled AAP's campaign and management during the 2020 polls and remotely controlled the 2025 polls through his company, understands this dynamic well. As Jan Suraaj's leader in Bihar, Kishor emphasises moving beyond caste-based politics, focusing instead on governance, education, and employment. However, in a state where caste dynamics are deeply rooted, his upper-caste background, which he may not publicly acknowledge, limits his appeal among backward and marginalised communities. Rival parties emphasise his caste to consolidate their support bases, further complicating this perception. To be fair to Kishor, despite being born a Brahmin, he has not explicitly positioned Jan Suraaj as a Brahmin-centric party. Instead, he aims to build a broad-based coalition that transcends traditional caste alignments. This approach includes fielding candidates from diverse backgrounds, including Muslims, to appeal to a wider electorate. However, given the caste dynamics in Bihar's politics, Kishor the strategist knows he needs a caste vote base to launch his party and gain broader support. This initial support in Bihar could best come from his own community in the post-Mandal era. One of the after-effects of Mandal politics in Bihar has been the marginalisation of Brahmins. Once a dominant community in Bihar politics, Brahmins, who provided five chief ministers to the state before the Mandal era, have lost prominence in all political parties. Given that Prashant Kishor is a Brahmin, the community might agree to be his party's vote foundation or continue supporting the BJP-JD (U) at the state level and candidates from their community from other parties at the local level. The Brahmin community in Bihar is at a crossroads. While their affiliation with parties like the BJP and JD(U) has provided a semblance of political inclusion, the promise of greater representation and development offered by Jan Suraaj presents a compelling alternative. They understand they have little space in the opposition alliance, where a recent statement by an RJD MLA indicated that Brahmins in politics today are on the back foot. Brahmins in Bihar constitute about 4 percent of the population, with three major sub-castes: Maithil, Kanyakubj-Saryupari, and Shakaldweepi. Maithils are predominantly in the north of Bihar, Kanyakubj are mainly in south Bihar and the Bhojpuri-speaking districts of north Bihar bordering Uttar Pradesh, while Shakaldweepi are fewer in number but spread across most districts with a major concentration in the Magadh region. There may be some smaller sub-castes as well. In a largely 'lawless' state like Bihar, the Brahmins' support for the BJP and JD(U) has provided them with a sense of security, albeit with limited representation. Shifting allegiance to a nascent party like Jan Suraaj would require assurance of tangible benefits and representation. Kishor's focus on development and governance could resonate with Brahmins seeking a return to political relevance. His emphasis on systemic issues rather than caste-based mobilisation offers an alternative narrative that might attract educated and urban Brahmins disillusioned with traditional politics. However, elections in Bihar are won more in its villages than in its towns and cities. According to the caste census, 89 percent of Bihar's population is rural. Only time will tell whether the Brahmin community will become the bedrock of Jan Suraaj's support or continue their allegiance to established political entities. The writer is author and president, Centre for Reforms, Development & Justice. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP targets PK after liquor found in vehicle with Jan Suraaj sticker
Patna: BJP has targeted Jan Suraaj of Prashant Kishor (PK) after liquor bottles were found in a vehicle with the party poster and sticker on its rear window in Karakat police station area of Rohtas district on Saturday. However, an officer of the Karakat police station said it was being verified whether the vehicle belonged to any political party or person. "Separate FIRs have been registered for accident and violation of liquor ban law in the state," he said. BJP state media in charge, Danish Eqbal, on Sunday alleged that a conspiracy was being hatched to end liquor prohibition, which has been implemented in Bihar since 2016. "It is being said that the promise to lift the liquor ban has been made after a deal of Rs 20 crore. Some people are busy writing the script of 'Jankushasan' instead of 'Jan Suraaj'!" he alleged. PK has already said if his party comes to power in Bihar after the assembly elections due this year, liquor ban will be lifted within an hour. BJP state spokesperson, Prem Ranjan Patel, said a large amount of liquor was found in the vehicle with Jan Suraaj poster. "There is a need to check all the vehicles of Jan Suraaj," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like When the Camera Clicked at the Worst Possible Time Read More Undo Danish said, "According to some reports, preparations were already being made to end the liquor ban through an NGO. It has also come to light that the operators of the companies with which the money is involved are directly connected to the business of a liquor baron." He said the layers of evidence are slowly opening up and the truth will come out soon by connecting all the links.
The Print
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Nitish is not fit to continue as CM, NDA will lose power in Bihar come November—Prashant Kishor
Even though the Jan Suraaj has officially not announced how many seats it will contest in Bihar, which has 243 constituencies, Kishor said he himself may enter the poll fray if the party decides so. 'That decision will be taken in August. The party will decide. It's possible I may contest… we have a process inside the party, we will sit and discuss, and make a decision in August,' he said. 'There will be no middle ground,' he told ThePrint in a wide-ranging interview in which he also talked about the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, migration, employment and corruption among others. Purnea: Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has said his party will either be on the 'arsh or farsh' (form the government on its own or not be in power at all) in the upcoming elections in Bihar, as he presented it as an honest and strong alternative in the state. On being asked which alliance among the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan and BJP-led NDA his party could join in case of a fractured mandate, Kishor said the NDA's departure is a certainty, and the voter has to decide between the RJD and his Jan Suraaj. When asked whether he is pitching the Jan Suraaj as an alternative to the BJP in Bihar, Kishor said his party is the 'alternative to the lack of options' in Bihar, and underlined his ideological and political differences with the BJP. Kishor also spoke at length about why he started the Jan Suraaj, how he plans to address much-talked about issues like migration, jobs, and education, and what he saw during his padyatra across Bihar. The people of Bihar want 'change' and there will be a change come November, he said. 'And I feel that most of the people who want the change are now able to see that if the change has to happen, the NDA has to go. Nitish and BJP are bound to go,' he said. 'They (voters) have two options. One is Lalu-Tejashwi, jungle raj, lantern which people have seen and experienced for 15 years. And the other option they have is the Jan Suraaj which is a new system which people have not tested yet. But people have been watching, listening to and understanding it for 2-2.5 years.' Pitting himself against the RJD, Kishor said people need to decide whether they want to bring in the 'Lalu's jungle raj, which you have tried and tested for 15 years' or a new effort which is an 'honest and strong alternative'. 'This is the only decision that needs to be taken. Change is certain. Nitish Kumar's departure is certain. You can take it in writing from me. After November, Nitish Kumar will no longer be the chief minister of Bihar. No two ways about it,' he said. Kishor said his party is trying to build a system that presents an alternative. 'I fully believe a time will come when the people of Bihar will say 'this is the party, this is the person, these are the people who are ours and who can bring change to Bihar'. That's why I'm saying the Jan Suraaj will be either in the race, or out of it. There will be no middle ground,' he explained. 'In the election results, Jan Suraaj ya toh arsh pe rahega ya farsh pe rahega,' he said, but asserted whatever be the electoral results, he will continue to fight for the people of Bihar. Detailing the organisational structure of the party, Kishor said from October last year till April 2025, they have tried to build and expand the organisational structure. 'Today, the Jan Suraaj is the largest political organisation in Bihar. We don't have any MP or MLA, but if you look at the number of primary and founding members, then the Jan Suraaj has almost twice the BJP's proclaimed number of 70 lakh,' he claimed. Kishor said his party will not resort to the culture of 'freebies' to win elections, and criticised the RJD's poll promise of giving Rs 2,500 to every woman every month if it comes to power. 'The RJD was in power for 15 years. Why didn't it occur to them then? Tejashwi Yadav ran the government as deputy chief minister for three years. Why didn't it occur to him then? But it's pointless to talk about the RJD,' Kishor said, pointing out that even their ally Congress has promised it. 'There is one known economist and former finance minister in this country, P. Chidambaram, who is also a senior Congress leader. Let P. Chidambaram come to Bihar and explain just two things: Bihar has six crore women based on population. Even if you don't count minor girls and children, there would be about 4.5 to 5 crore adult women. If you give Rs 2,500 per month to 5 crore women, that comes to around Rs 1.5 lakh-crore a year. So P. Chidambaram should come and tell us from where will Bihar get Rs 1.5 lakh-crore?' Kishor asked Tejashwi Yadav as well as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to explain if such a scheme can be implemented in Bihar, then why are they not implementing it in Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh where the Congress is in power. 'All three of these states are financially stronger than Bihar. So why aren't you implementing it in Karnataka? Why aren't you giving Rs 2,500 per month to women in Telangana? Implement it there, and we'll believe you can do it in Bihar too.' he added. On Thursday, Chief Minister Kumar also announced free electricity for all consumers in the state for up to 125 units. However, Kishor said this is not feasible in a state like Bihar. 'If you leave aside one or two states in the country like Delhi and Goa, which are revenue-surplus states, no other state has such a financial condition that it can give Rs 2,000-2,500 per month to all women. It's just not possible.' Also Read: How Prashant Kishor's newly minted Jan Suraaj party will impact key players in Bihar politics 'Nitish not face of NDA' Kishor launched the Jan Suraaj 2 October 2024, and since then it has been cornering the Nitish government, especially over the issue of corruption. Asked if he thinks Nitish Kumar will be the face of the NDA in the 2025 polls, Kishor asserted 'absolutely not'. Union Home Minister Amit Shah says the NDA will win but is quiet on who will be their face, he said, adding Kumar has lost the trust of the public as he frequently changed alliances. 'I've been saying for the past 2 years—Nitish Kumar neither has the mental capacity nor the physical capacity to run the government. And I believe that come what may Nitish Kumar will not remain the Chief Minister after November. Bihar will get a new government and a new chief minister'. Kishor said that all the three major political parties—Congress, RJD, and BJP— have ruled Bihar and if the state is still backward today, then these parties are responsible. 'If the youth of Bihar are still unemployed today, then these three are responsible. If Bihar is still at the bottom in education and health, then these three are responsible.' Putting forward a blueprint for addressing distress migration from the state, Kishor said one has to first understand that migration from Bihar is not just of labourers. 'The biggest migration from Bihar is capital migration. The second is brain drain and the third is labour migration,' he explained. Kishor said the money that the people of Bihar keep in banks as savings is not lent by banks to people here, they don't invest this money here and they don't give loans here. 'Instead, they send this money to other states. This is RBI data.' Kishor said the Jan Suraaj will first stop capital migration, and after this is achieved it will help arrest brain drain. 'The day you stop capital and brain drain, labour migration will stop on its own,' he said. 'In material terms, the moment the Jan Suraaj system is established, a special ministry, a department will be created whose sole and only job will be that within one year, 50 lakh people who have been forced to go out to feed their families, will be brought back,' he added. 'EC under BJP pressure' Commenting on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, Kishor said the exercise is being done to help the BJP. 'The Election Commission is acting under pressure. I have said clearly — the BJP has realised it cannot win in Bihar without manipulation. They know the Jan Suraaj movement is growing. People are angry with all parties. 'So now they are trying to cut votes at the root—by deleting names of voters, especially migrant voters. People who live and work outside, their names are being removed under the excuse that they're not present,' he alleged. 'This is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has said that the EC cannot decide citizenship or eligibility arbitrarily. But they're doing this in coordination with local officials. It's being done selectively— anti-government or anti-establishment names are being removed. This is a big danger for democracy. If this continues, we will protest. People will hit the streets if their vote is stolen,' he said. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: Gloves off as NDA leaders, Prashant Kishor trade barbs in run-up to high-stakes Bihar polls
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Prashant Kishor leaves rally in a huff in Bihar, party says he suffered injury
Ara (Bihar), Jul 18 (PTI) Jan Suraaj party founder Prashant Kishor on Friday was seen writhing in pain at the venue of a rally in Bihar's Bhojpur district. Kishor was accompanied, among others, by Bhojpuri singer Ritesh Pandey, who had joined the party earlier in the day. As Kishor sat in his chair, his face contorted in pain, Pandey took the mike and said, 'Prashant Kishor Ji is not well. He has received a minor injury. He needs to leave." According to a leader of the Jan Suraaj party, Kishor drove back to his Patna residence after receiving first aid locally. It was not a major injury requiring hospitalisation, the leader said, adding that Kishor suffered an injury to his ribs. The leader, however, could not say how Kishor suffered the injury. PTI PKD SBN SBN Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
