Patna: Prashant Kishor’s three-year endeavor to transform Bihar’s political landscape seems to be faltering, as initial counting day trends reveal that his Jan Suraaj party has not secured any leads. The former poll strategist’s assertion of providing a new political option has yet to result in any significant electoral success. While the official data from the Election Commission of India shows no leads for Jan Suraaj, television reports briefly indicated the party was leading in up to four constituencies by 9:30 AM. Among these early claims was Ritesh Pandey, Jan Suraaj’s candidate in Kargahar and a Bhojpuri actor, who was reported to be in the lead during the initial hours. However, by 10:30 AM, all reported leads had vanished.
Jan Suraaj’s Electoral Bid included candidates in 238 of the 243 Assembly seats, featuring social media figures like Bhojpuri singer Ritesh Pandey and YouTuber Manish Kashyap. Kishor developed his movement through an extensive padayatra followed by large-scale campaign rallies, presenting his party as a disruptive force with promises to reduce migration, reform education, and reconsider the state’s liquor ban. Throughout the campaign, Kishor stated that Jan Suraaj would either “win more than 150 seats or fewer than 10,” a comment he positioned as a testament to the party’s ambition and ideological clarity. However, political analysts point to several factors that may have led to the party’s electoral downturn. A common critique is Kishor’s choice not to run for election himself.
Initial speculation that he might contest against RJD leader and chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav in Raghopur diminished when he ultimately opted out. Analysts also suggest that the Jan Suraaj movement lost its momentum as the election neared, failing to effectively convert mobilization into votes. Despite the disappointing trends, Kishor has affirmed his intention to persist with his political project in Bihar. Responding to exit poll predictions earlier this week, he reiterated his commitment to the state, stating, “I personally have nothing much to lose. I put my entire life for the betterment of Bihar, but if people want to stay in the present conditions, it is their choice.”
