Jan Suraaj founder and Bankipur bypoll candidate Prashant Kishor described the upcoming election as a referendum on Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary’s leadership rather than a routine MLA contest. He called on voters to signal their views on the BJP’s state leadership choice.
In an interview with Bihar Tak, Kishor explained he skipped the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls to campaign for multiple Jan Suraaj candidates. He noted the party secured roughly 18 lakh votes yet remained committed to pursuing political change in Bihar.
Kishor said the Bankipur contest holds wider importance. He argued the BJP formed the state government citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar but later installed Samrat Choudhary as Chief Minister. The bypoll, he said, gives voters their first chance to register approval or disapproval of that choice. He urged those dissatisfied with the elevation to vote against the BJP.
Kishor accused the BJP of political arrogance, claiming its leaders had stated they could field even a dog or cat in Bankipur and still win because it was a safe seat. He also criticised the party’s use of religious imagery, including Hanuman symbols at events. Many residents, he added, wanted him to contest to challenge that stance.
He further claimed the NDA assumes it will keep winning Bihar irrespective of governance, relying on caste, religion, Modi’s popularity or fear of the RJD. Kishor said Jan Suraaj initially worried established parties but that concern eased after the assembly results. The bypoll, he argued, offers a chance to renew pressure.
Addressing why he picked a tough seat, Kishor said he chose Bankipur deliberately because its voters rank among Bihar’s most educated and politically aware. If they still back the BJP despite leadership concerns, that would reflect their own decision. He noted the BJP benefits locally as many voters reject the RJD yet lack an alternative.
Kishor defended listing his profession as political consultant and adviser in nomination papers, matching his income-tax records. Changing it, he said, would have created inconsistencies.
On asset disclosures and the valuation of Vedas Venture, whose shares form a large part of his declared wealth, Kishor said the firm donated 90 crore to Jan Suraaj and its remaining value reflects post-tax net worth. The company belongs to family members, though founded on his advice. He denied recent political consultancy work, stating he has stayed in Bihar building the party.
He also defended his educational qualification, describing the course as equivalent to a master’s degree run with Johns Hopkins University and urging independent verification.
Kishor said any future electoral loss would not alter his commitment to Bihar. He remained in the state after the assembly setback and will continue expanding the organisation regardless of the bypoll outcome.
Looking to the 2030 assembly elections, he said the immediate focus is organisational strengthening and spreading ideas across villages. The Bankipur contest, he stressed, reflects local wishes rather than a strategic shift.
On possible alliances if he wins, Kishor ruled out joining either bloc, reaffirming Jan Suraaj’s commitment to Bihar-centric politics alone.
