Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has publicly accepted full responsibility for his Jan Suraaj Party's dismal performance in the recent Bihar Assembly elections. In his first public address since the poll results, Kishor delivered a candid assessment of his party's failure while firmly rejecting speculation about retiring from politics.
Accepting Responsibility and Announcing Atonement
Addressing journalists at the party's Pataliputra camp office, Kishor made no excuses for his party's poor showing. "We came to Bihar three years ago with the pledge of systemic transformation," he stated. "We made an honest attempt but did not succeed. This failure is entirely mine. I take full responsibility for it."
The Jan Suraaj founder revealed that he would observe a day-long silent fast at the Bidharva Gandhi Ashram on November 20 as an act of atonement for not meeting people's expectations. He has invited party workers across Bihar to join this optional collective fast from their respective locations.
Kishor extended congratulations to the winning candidates while emphasizing that his party's defeat represents a moment for self-reflection. "The people have chosen their own path and their own government. To those whose expectations we could not meet, I offer my apologies," he said.
No Retirement Despite Defeat
In a powerful rebuttal to retirement rumors, Kishor drew a mythological parallel to convey his determination. "Those who believe I will leave Bihar are mistaken. You are not defeated until you quit. We will not step back," he declared, comparing his situation to Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata.
He emphasized that while Abhimanyu was surrounded and slain, the Pandavas eventually emerged victorious. "We will work twice as hard as we did over the past three years," Kishor promised, reiterating his resolve to continue Jan Suraaj's outreach in villages and panchayats across Bihar.
The political strategist turned politician asserted that his party had committed "no sin" despite failing to win votes. "Not getting votes is not a crime. We made mistakes, perhaps in strategy or communication, but we did not indulge in sins," he explained.
Allegations of Pre-Poll Vote Buying
Kishor launched sharp criticism at the Bihar government, alleging unprecedented pre-poll cash disbursals that he characterized as systematic vote buying. "For the first time in the country's history, a state government spent or promised about ₹40,000 crore before an election," he claimed.
He provided detailed allegations about the distribution mechanism: "Around 60,000 to 62,000 women in every Assembly constituency were given ₹10,000 each under the government's self-employment scheme, with the assurance that if the ruling alliance returned to power, they would receive another ₹2 lakh within six months."
Kishor alleged that government functionaries including Jeevika didis, ASHAs, and Anganwadi workers were utilized to distribute money and deliver political messages. "Nearly ₹29,000 crore was disbursed through these networks," he stated.
The Jan Suraaj founder issued a direct challenge to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar: "If Nitish Kumar's government provides ₹2 lakh each to 1.5 crore women within six months, I will retire from politics. If it does not, we will stand by these women and fight to secure their rights."
He announced a public contact number (91216 91216) for people to report if they don't receive the promised funds, promising to accompany them to government offices to continue their fight.
Questioning Election Commission's Role
Kishor raised serious concerns about the Election Commission's conduct during the polls, particularly regarding the timing of state welfare disbursals. "We are a small party, but the Opposition parties should discuss how effective the current Model Code of Conduct is," he suggested, adding that the matter might need Supreme Court intervention if necessary.
He contrasted current polling practices with historical precedents: "During Lalu Prasad's time, even Home Guards were kept away from election duties to maintain impartiality. This time, the government used Jeevika workers who are under contract with the state to mobilize votes."
Citing the Madhubani constituency as an example, Kishor pointed to what he called voting irregularities. "In Madhubani, a candidate from Upendra Kushwaha's party won with over a lakh votes, but many voters did not even know the party's symbol. This raises questions about how such results were achieved," he observed.
Future Course and Legal Threats
Kishor stated that the coming formation of the new Bihar cabinet would test Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's commitment to clean governance. "The people's mandate is to form a government, not to loot or include corrupt ministers," he remarked.
He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah to deliver on their promises of development and jobs for Bihar's youth. "Our expectation is clear – form a cabinet free of tainted ministers, ensure employment, and stop migration," Kishor emphasized.
The political leader warned that Jan Suraaj would pursue legal remedies if ministers previously accused of wrongdoing were inducted again. "If those four leaders return to the government, we will approach the courts," he declared, noting that a case regarding unaccounted funds of ₹70,000 crore, flagged by the CAG, has already been filed in the Patna High Court.
Despite having no legislative representation, Kishor affirmed his commitment to continue fighting for Bihar's transformation. "We may not have a single MLA, but we have the people's voice. We will stand with every citizen who feels cheated, move from village to block to district, and continue to fight for truth and for Bihar's future," he concluded.
