‘INDIA bloc not in serious contest,’ says Prashant Kishor on Bihar polls, calls it NDA vs Jan Suraaj fight
Patna — Political strategist-turned-leader Prashant Kishor on Monday claimed that the upcoming Bihar assembly election will witness a direct contest between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and his party, Jan Suraaj. He dismissed the RJD-Congress-led INDIA bloc as a “non-contender,” predicting it will finish third in the race.
Kishor said his party has reached every assembly constituency, assessing ground realities. “The Mahagathbandhan stands at the third position. The real fight is between the NDA and Jan Suraaj,” he said while speaking to ANI. He also took a swipe at RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial face, for making what he called “senseless” promises. “The announcements Tejashwi made in the last five days make no sense. They are trying to appear relevant, but no one is paying attention,” Kishor remarked.
A Call for Change
Speaking at a rally in Madhubani on Sunday, Kishor said Bihar’s voters are ready to move beyond decades of fear-driven politics. He argued that people have long been trapped in a cycle — voting for Nitish Kumar and the BJP out of fear of Lalu Yadav, and for RJD out of fear of the BJP. “That era is ending,” he said.
Kishor claimed a new political chapter is opening in Bihar. “You will see a new political history being written here. This new alternative doesn’t belong to any leader, family, or caste. It belongs to the youth of Bihar,” he said. “If Jan Suraaj forms the government, no one will have to migrate for work. We will create opportunities within the state.”
Attack on Tejashwi Yadav
Kishor also launched a sharp attack on Tejashwi Yadav, questioning his image as “the hero of Bihar.” “If those who have ruined Bihar are being called heroes, then who are the villains?” he asked. Kishor said the people of Bihar clearly remember who pushed the state into decline. “They can’t be the heroes of Bihar,” he asserted.
Tejashwi, meanwhile, has been making aggressive campaign promises. On Sunday, he vowed that the INDIA bloc would “throw the Waqf (Amendment) Act into the dustbin” if voted to power. He also pledged to double the allowances of panchayati raj representatives across the state.
Ground Battle Intensifies
Analysts say Kishor’s remarks indicate his confidence in Jan Suraaj’s growing presence on the ground. His focus on youth and governance contrasts with the INDIA bloc’s traditional caste-based appeal. Meanwhile, the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, continues to rely on its welfare record and organizational strength.
Voting for the Bihar assembly election will take place in two phases — on November 6 and 11 — and results will be declared on November 14.
