Bagaha/Patna: Prashant Kishor concluded his 24-hour silent fast at Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram on Friday, unveiling a bold political strategy and delivering a fierce critique of the new NDA government in Bihar. The founder of Jan Suraaj undertook the fast as a moment of reflection after his party’s disappointing electoral performance, stating that it aimed to “return to the point where hope began” and to contemplate the “deeply troubling” state of democracy in Bihar. Kishor accused the state government of winning the election through the “unprecedented and unconstitutional misuse of public funds,” claiming that the NDA “bought votes of poor women” by distributing Rs 10,000 during the campaign with the promise of Rs 2 lakh later.
He remarked, “This is the first time in independent India that votes of poor people were bought at this scale,” and warned, “If governments can purchase votes using the state exchequer, democracy itself is in danger.” He asserted that these payments were made using contingency funds and loans from the World Bank, labeling the actions as illegal, unconstitutional, and immoral. “We will keep fighting against this,” he declared. Kishor outlined Jan Suraaj’s next steps, announcing a major mobilization effort—Bihar Navnirman Sankalp—set to commence on January 15. This campaign will feature public camps across 1.18 lakh wards in 534 blocks, targeting the 1.5 crore women who received Rs 10,000 to demand the remaining Rs 2 lakh promised by the government.
He committed to spending “one full day in every block of Bihar over the next 20 months,” vowing to reconnect with citizens and serve as their advocate. “I will stay in Bihar and continue raising awareness so that people realize their power and make wiser political decisions,” he stated. Kishor also made a significant personal pledge: “Whatever I earn in the next five years—90% of it will go to Jan Suraaj.
Aside from my house in Delhi, everything I have earned in the last 20 years will also be dedicated to this movement.” He urged individuals from all political affiliations to contribute at least Rs 1,000 annually, stating he would not engage with anyone who has made “no tangible contribution” to the effort. Kishor launched a sharp critique of the NDA cabinet, describing it as “a mockery of Bihar.” He criticized the new government as a blend of dynasty politics, corruption, and criminal backgrounds, noting that individuals lacking educational or political qualifications have been appointed as ministers. He accused leaders like Nitish Kumar, Narendra Modi, and Amit Shah of perpetuating nepotism.
Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj state president Manoj Bharti encouraged party members to remain engaged despite the electoral losses, asserting, “Our responsibility to the people has not ended.” Kishor began his silent fast on Thursday, paying floral tributes at the Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram, a significant site in Gandhi’s early Satyagraha movement. Throughout the day, party workers, district representatives, and candidates gathered at the venue as he maintained silence under a tent set up for the vigil. The party is anticipated to reveal further plans once Kishor’s statewide outreach launches in January.