Prashant Kishor, a prominent political strategist in India, recently made headlines with the launch of his party, Jan Suraaj (People’s Good Governance), aimed at addressing issues in Bihar, the country’s poorest state. Historically known for his role behind the scenes, advising various leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kishor sought to transition into a direct political role.
Over two years, Kishor engaged with locals through extensive campaigning across Bihar, creating an organization that fielded candidates in nearly all 243 electoral seats during the recent elections. Despite significant media attention, Jan Suraaj received minimal public support, failing to secure any seats and garnering only a small share of the vote as the BJP-led coalition emerged victorious.
The lack of success raises questions about the obstacles faced by new political entities in India. Historically, few new parties have gained relevance without strong grassroots origins or a compelling social narrative. Established parties have often emerged from existing factions or socio-political movements, which Jan Suraaj lacked. Kishor’s initiative was characterized more as a strategic project rather than a grassroots movement, which may have hindered its ability to resonate with voters.
Political analysts suggest that voters in Bihar remained loyal to entrenched political affiliations due to a perceived absence of crises or widespread dissatisfaction. Even Kishor’s focus on governance and employment issues did not establish a robust alternative to existing options. His choice not to contest a seat personally may have limited voters’ emotional connection to his campaign.
Looking ahead, Kishor has expressed intentions to maintain a grassroots presence in Bihar. Experts believe that if Jan Suraaj can cultivate local leadership and sustain momentum beyond elections, it may evolve into a more significant political force by 2030, particularly in a changing political landscape.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz7p5xn8qjpo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss