By Tajdar H. Zaidi
In a major political development ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor announced on Wednesday (October 15, 2025) that he will not contest the upcoming polls, declaring that the decision was made collectively within his party “in the larger interest of the organization.”
The announcement has surprised many observers, especially as Kishor was widely expected to make his electoral debut from Raghopur, a high-profile constituency currently represented by Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD.
Speaking at a press conference, Kishor—once India’s most sought-after political strategist and now a full-time politician—explained that his priority is to strengthen Jan Suraaj’s organizational structure rather than focusing on personal electoral ambitions.
The party has decided that I should not contest the assembly polls. Hence, another candidate has been nominated from Raghopur.
If I were to contest, it would have distracted me from the essential organizational work needed to strengthen Jan Suraaj at the grassroots level,” Kishor said.
A Calculated Move, Not Retreat
Insiders say Kishor’s decision not to enter the fray reflects a strategic calculation rather than hesitation. As a first-time contestant leading a new political movement, Kishor is aware that his personal defeat could blunt the party’s momentum.
By choosing to remain behind the scenes, he aims to project himself as a visionary architect of change, not merely another candidate in the crowded electoral field.
Kishor has been traveling extensively across Bihar for over two years as part of his “Jan Suraaj Yatra”, interacting with citizens, social groups, and local leaders.
His campaign has focused on grassroots reform, governance accountability, and creating a credible third front beyond the traditional NDA–INDIA dichotomy.
Political analysts believe Kishor’s move is a message of discipline and collective leadership, signaling that Jan Suraaj is not a one-man outfit built around a cult of personality but a structured political organization built for the long haul.
Ambitious Targets, High Stakes
When asked about his party’s electoral prospects, the 48-year-old leader made a bold declaration: We will either win handsomely or face a drubbing.
I expect a tally of either fewer than 10 seats or more than 150 seats—nothing in between. A result below 150 will be a defeat for me personally,” Kishor said.
He stressed that the upcoming Bihar election is not just about forming a government, but about reshaping the state’s destiny. If Jan Suraaj wins, it will have a nationwide impact.
The compass of national politics will shift direction. But if we fall short, it will mean people haven’t placed enough faith in us yet, and we will continue our politics of the samaj aur sadak—the society and the streets,” he added.
Sharp Attack on Nitish Kumar and the NDA
Kishor didn’t mince words when assessing the current political climate in Bihar. Predicting a “certain defeat” for the ruling NDA, he accused the BJP–JD(U) alliance of being directionless and divided.
The NDA is definitely on its way out, and Nitish Kumar will not return as Chief Minister,” Kishor asserted.
He pointed to the chaos within the NDA, noting the ongoing tussles over seat distribution and candidate selection.
There is complete disarray within the NDA. Even now, it’s unclear which seats the BJP will contest and which ones JD(U) is claiming.
Nitish Kumar’s party struggled to win 43 seats in 2020, and the situation is far worse today,” he added, recalling how Chirag Paswan’s rebellion during the last polls crippled JD(U)’s prospects.
Criticism for the INDIA Bloc, Too
Kishor didn’t spare the opposition INDIA bloc either, accusing it of lacking unity and purpose.
There’s no clarity in the INDIA bloc. The RJD and Congress are constantly at loggerheads, and nobody knows whether Mukesh Sahani’s Vikassheel Insaan Party is still with them,” he remarked.
The Road Ahead for Jan Suraaj
For Kishor, the 2025 Bihar election is not just a contest for power—it’s a test of his political model, built on grassroots mobilization rather than high-decibel populism.
By choosing to stay out of the fray, he has ensured that the party’s performance, not his personal result, defines its success or failure.
As Bihar heads into two-phase polling on November 6 and November 11, with counting on November 14, Kishor’s bold decision adds another layer of intrigue to what is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable elections in the state’s recent history.
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