Prashant Kishor, renowned for his strategic acumen in Indian politics, has transitioned from being a behind-the-scenes strategist to a prominent political figure in Bihar. His journey reflects a blend of grassroots activism and ambitious political aspirations.
🧠From Strategist to Political Leader
After orchestrating successful campaigns for leaders like Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, Kishor launched the Jan Suraaj Abhiyan in 2022, aiming to understand and address Bihar’s systemic issues through extensive grassroots engagement. This movement culminated in the formation of the Jan Suraaj Party on October 2, 2024 .
🚶‍♂️ Bihar Badlao Yatra: A Call for Change
In May 2025, Kishor initiated the “Bihar Badlao Yatra” from Sitab Diara, the birthplace of socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan. This 120-day journey aims to cover all 243 constituencies, engaging citizens in dialogues about governance and development .
🗳️ Emergence as a Chief Ministerial Contender
Despite earlier assertions of having no political ambitions, Kishor’s role has evolved. Uday Singh, the national president of Jan Suraaj, recently indicated that Kishor would be the party’s chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Bihar elections .
đź“Š Public Perception and Political Dynamics
A recent C-Voter survey places Kishor ahead of incumbent Nitish Kumar in popularity for the chief minister’s position, though Tejashwi Yadav leads the poll . Kishor’s critiques of existing leadership and his emphasis on systemic change resonate with a segment of the electorate.
🧩 Challenges and Criticisms
Kishor’s political journey hasn’t been without challenges. His statements, such as claiming to have facilitated the rise of ten chief ministers, have drawn criticism from established parties . Additionally, his shift towards traditional political strategies, including considerations of caste and religion, has led to questions about his commitment to alternative politics
