'Won't contest in Bihar, party has decided': Prashant Kishor's big announcement

By Admin

15 Oct, 2025

In a major political development ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has announced that he will not be contesting in the upcoming polls. The decision, Kishor revealed, was taken collectively by his party in the larger interest of organisational priorities rather than personal ambitions.

A Strategic Move for the Party’s Growth

Speaking to PTI, Kishor said, “It was a decision we took in the larger interest of the party. If I were to contest, it would have distracted me from the necessary organisational work.” His statement makes it clear that the focus for Jan Suraaj Party is on strengthening its structure and grassroots presence across Bihar, rather than concentrating solely on his personal electoral debut.

Raghopur Contest: Chanchal Singh vs Tejashwi Yadav

There had been strong speculation that Prashant Kishor would contest from Raghopur, a high-profile seat represented by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. However, the Jan Suraaj Party has instead fielded Chanchal Singh, a local businessman, from the constituency. Kishor explained that the decision to nominate Singh was a collective party choice, aligning with their vision to bring forward local leadership.

“Jan Suraaj’s Win Will Change National Politics”

Confident about his party’s performance, Kishor stated, “If Jan Suraaj Party wins the Bihar polls, it will have a nationwide impact. The compass of national politics will point in a different direction.” His remarks suggest that he sees this election not just as a regional contest but as a potential turning point in India’s political landscape.

All or Nothing: Kishor’s Prediction

In a bold prediction, Kishor said the Jan Suraaj Party’s performance would either be a massive success or a complete failure. “I expect a tally of either fewer than 10 seats or more than 150 seats. There is no possibility of anything in between,” he said, underscoring the high-risk, high-reward nature of his political strategy.

On Possibility of a Hung Assembly

When asked about his stance in case of a hung assembly, Kishor dismissed the possibility outright. “A fractured mandate is an impossibility,” he said. However, he clarified that if the party fails to cross 150 seats, it would be considered a setback. “If we do not do well enough, it would mean the people have not shown enough confidence in us, and we must continue to carry on with our politics of the street and society (samaj aur sadak ki rajneeti),” he added.

Bihar Gears Up for a High-Stakes Election

The Jan Suraaj Party has so far released three lists of candidates as it prepares for its first major electoral test. Polling for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly is scheduled for November 6 and 11, with vote counting on November 14.

As the state braces for a fierce electoral battle, Prashant Kishor’s decision not to contest personally signals a strategic and disciplined approach, aiming to build a long-term political movement rather than a short-term electoral splash. Whether this gamble pays off or not, Kishor’s influence on Bihar’s political narrative is undeniably profound.