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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Decoding the Jan Suraaj Party hype
Last year, Prashant Kishor transitioned from his consultant role into the dynamic arena of electoral politics. With Bihar going to the polls in October, it will be intriguing to observe how a strategist, believed to have masterminded some important political successes, will perform when he contests an election himself. Mr. Kishor, leader of the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP), points out four factors which makes the BJP a formidable electoral force: its Hindutva ideology that serves as an emotional anchor, Narendra Modi's grand narrative of India becoming a global superpower, the creation of millions of direct beneficiaries through welfare schemes, and the sheer financial and organisational strength of the party. Mr. Kishor has asserted that to defeat BJP, one would need to defeat it at least on three of the four accounts. So, how well placed is the JSP to challenge the BJP on these factors? First, ideologically, the BJP's Hindutva claim isn't just a political position; it has become an emotional ecosystem that gives people identity, purpose, and a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves. The JSP's approach has been to focus on Bihar's regional identity and development aspirations while staying studiously secular. It is intellectually honest, sure, but could it be politically naïve given that religious identity in contemporary politics has become increasingly central to how people see themselves politically? Second, Mr. Kishor's 'Bihar Badlav (Bihar Change)' campaign is receiving traction. The messaging is positive: Bihar doesn't need to wait for Delhi's permission to prosper; the State has its own strengths and possibilities. What it needs is leadership that believes in those possibilities. This seems to be resonating with some voters. This narrative is distinct from the BJP's nationalism and the traditional Opposition's criticism. Whether it is enough remains to be seen. Third, pricking a hole in the BJP's beneficiary schemes may be tedious. When a farmer gets his PM Kisan installments, or when a woman gets her Ujjwala gas connection, or when a family gets healthcare through Ayushman Bharat, they are not just receiving benefits; they are entering into a relationship with the government that makes them stakeholders in its success. Can the JSP's promise be enough to attract the voters to vote for it? Fourth, the ability of the JSP to match the BJP's and RJD's organisational structure needs to be looked at. The JSP has been able to create some ground level connects via its leaders' padyatra, but this will be put to test particularly closer to elections. The BJP-led NDA has financial resources, RSS volunteers, sophisticated data analytics, and technological infrastructure that can micro-target individual voters. The RJD has decades of organisational depth and established networks across every village in Bihar and JSP has Mr. Kishor's strategic mind. Will that be enough to challenge the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan? Another important challenge for the JSP is about how the party will be able to challenge dynastic heirs such as Tejashwi Yadav and Chirag Paswan. What makes Mr. Yadav particularly formidable is his younger age, party's organisational strength, and experience. His welfare promises are specific and credible because he has the organisational capacity to deliver them. His focus on employment and migration directly addresses voters' primary concerns. And his consistent opposition to Nitish Kumar's alliance-hopping has given him a reputation for stability that the JSP, as a new entrant, cannot claim. The BJP may find it difficult to put up a young face given its present leadership in Bihar, but JD(U) might prop up a young face such as Nitish Kumar's son Nishant Kumar or Manish Verma, a former IAS officer. At this moment, the picture seems encouraging as the JSP is generating discussion and media attention, but also sobering, since Mr. Kishor may turn out to be an influential voice rather than a decisive force. In a fragmented electoral landscape, the JSP might eventually end up being a kingmaker if neither major alliance achieves a clear majority. This could provide it with disproportionate influence relative to its electoral performance and create opportunities for future growth. Sanjay Kumar is a Professor at the Centre for Studies of Developing Societies and Chandrachur Singh is a Professor of Political Science at Hindu College, University of Delhi. Views expressed are personal
India Gazette
29-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Prashant Kishor slams PM Modi during Siwan visit, says people of Bihar not
Siwan (Bihar) [India], June 29 (ANI): Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) Founder Prashant Kishor on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to Siwan, accusing him of ignoring key issues like unemployment and student migration in Bihar. Speaking to the media during his 'Bihar Badlav' rally in Siwan, Kishor said, 'Did Modi ji speak about how to stop migration of students in Siwan? Modi ji should talk about when people will get employment in Bihar.' 'Modi Ji came down from his helicopter, spoke about four things, and left. The people of Bihar are no longer going to fall for that hoax,' he added. On June 20, PM Modi visited Siwan, where he flagged off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant, for export to the Republic of Guinea, under the 'Make in India' initiative. The plant became the first to manufacture an export locomotive. They are equipped with high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based control systems, and ergonomic cab designs, incorporating technologies like regenerative braking. PM Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah on Friday. During his visit, PM Modi criticised opposition parties in Bihar for the slow progress of the state during their tenure. He said that the Congress and RJD supported Gundaraj and corruption. 'RJD and Congress are against Bihar and investments. They can never make a place in the heart of Biharis,' the Prime Minister said. Intensifying his criticism of the INDIA bloc allies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the RJD and Congress of undermining the self-respect of the people of Bihar, 'My Bihari brothers and sisters show their mettle by working even in the most difficult situations. They never compromise with his self-respect. But the people with the Panja (Congress) and the lantern (RJD) together have greatly hurt Bihar's self-respect.' The Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be held later this year, in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced the exact dates. While the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) seeks to retain power, the INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD and Congress, aims to oust it. Jan Suraaj, led by Prashant Kishor, is also seeking the people's mandate. (ANI)
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Prashant Kishor slams PM Modi during Siwan visit, says people of Bihar not "going to fall for hoax"
Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) Founder Prashant Kishor on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to Siwan, accusing him of ignoring key issues like unemployment and student migration in Bihar. Speaking to the media during his 'Bihar Badlav' rally in Siwan, Kishor said, "Did Modi ji speak about how to stop migration of students in Siwan? Modi ji should talk about when people will get employment in Bihar." "Modi Ji came down from his helicopter, spoke about four things, and left. The people of Bihar are no longer going to fall for that hoax," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo On June 20, PM Modi visited Siwan, where he flagged off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant, for export to the Republic of Guinea, under the 'Make in India' initiative. The plant became the first to manufacture an export locomotive. They are equipped with high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based control systems, and ergonomic cab designs, incorporating technologies like regenerative braking. Live Events PM Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah on Friday. During his visit, PM Modi criticised opposition parties in Bihar for the slow progress of the state during their tenure. He said that the Congress and RJD supported Gundaraj and corruption. "RJD and Congress are against Bihar and investments. They can never make a place in the heart of Biharis," the Prime Minister said. Intensifying his criticism of the INDIA bloc allies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the RJD and Congress of undermining the self-respect of the people of Bihar, "My Bihari brothers and sisters show their mettle by working even in the most difficult situations. They never compromise with his self-respect. But the people with the Panja (Congress) and the lantern (RJD) together have greatly hurt Bihar's self-respect." The Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be held later this year, in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced the exact dates. While the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) seeks to retain power, the INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD and Congress, aims to oust it. Jan Suraaj, led by Prashant Kishor, is also seeking the people's mandate.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bihar polls: Prashant Kishor accuses PM Modi of ignoring key issues; says 'spoke about four things, and left'
Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) founder on Sunday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Siwan, accusing him of overlooking pressing issues such as unemployment and the migration of students from Bihar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Addressing the media during his 'Bihar Badlav' rally in Siwan, Kishor said, 'Did Modi ji speak about how to stop migration of students in Siwan? Modi ji should talk about when people will get employment in Bihar.' 'Modi Ji came down from his helicopter, spoke about four things, and left. The people of Bihar are no longer going to fall for that hoax,' he added. visited Siwan on June 20, where he flagged off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant for export to the Republic of Guinea under the 'Make in India' initiative. The facility became the first in the country to manufacture export locomotives, featuring high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion, microprocessor-based controls, ergonomic cabins and regenerative braking technology. He also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah. During the visit, PM Modi hit out at opposition parties in Bihar, accusing the Congress and RJD of promoting 'Gundaraj' and corruption during their tenure. He said, 'RJD and Congress are against Bihar and investments. They can never make a place in the heart of Biharis.' The Prime Minister also accused the INDIA bloc allies of damaging the dignity of the people of Bihar. 'My Bihari brothers and sisters show their mettle by working even in the most difficult situations. They never compromise with his self-respect. But the people with the Panja (Congress) and the lantern (RJD) together have greatly hurt Bihar's self-respect,' he said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Assembly elections in Bihar are expected later this year, likely in October or November. The Election Commission of India has not yet declared the official dates. While the NDA eyes another term, the INDIA bloc, comprising RJD and Congress, is hoping for a comeback, with Jan Suraaj under Kishor also in the fray.
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Prashant Kishor slams PM Narendra Modi's Siwan visit: ‘Bihar not going to fall for hoax'
Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) Founder Prashant Kishor on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to Siwan, accusing him of ignoring key issues like unemployment and student migration in Bihar. Jan Suraaj is led by Prashant Kishor and is in fray for Bihar polls.(PTI) Speaking to the media during his 'Bihar Badlav' rally in Siwan, Kishor said, "Did Modi ji speak about how to stop migration of students in Siwan? Modi ji should talk about when people will get employment in Bihar." "Modi Ji came down from his helicopter, spoke about four things, and left. The people of Bihar are no longer going to fall for that hoax," he added. On June 20, PM Modi visited Siwan, where he flagged off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant, for export to the Republic of Guinea, under the 'Make in India' initiative. The plant became the first to manufacture an export locomotive. They are equipped with high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based control systems, and ergonomic cab designs, incorporating technologies like regenerative braking. PM Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah on Friday. During his visit, PM Modi criticised opposition parties in Bihar for the slow progress of the state during their tenure. He said that the Congress and RJD supported Gundaraj and corruption. "RJD and Congress are against Bihar and investments. They can never make a place in the heart of Biharis," the Prime Minister said. Intensifying his criticism of the INDIA bloc allies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the RJD and Congress of undermining the self-respect of the people of Bihar, "My Bihari brothers and sisters show their mettle by working even in the most difficult situations. They never compromise with his self-respect. But the people with the Panja (Congress) and the lantern (RJD) together have greatly hurt Bihar's self-respect." The Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be held later this year, in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced the exact dates. While the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) seeks to retain power, the INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD and Congress, aims to oust it. Jan Suraaj, led by Prashant Kishor, is also seeking the people's mandate.
