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Why Is Bihar Protesting? What Is The BPSC Exam Scandal, And Why Was Prashant Kishor Arrested?

January 6, 2025, 11:30 am

In the early hours of Monday, Patna Police arrested Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor during his indefinite hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan. The protest was organised to demand action over alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam. Kishor, along with several protesters, was forcibly removed and taken to AIIMS for a medical examination. Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh stated that the protest violated regulations, as no dharna is allowed outside the designated Gardan Bagh area.

Protests Against BPSC Paper Leak

The controversy centers around the Integrated 70th Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) conducted on December 13. Allegations of paper leaks, mismanagement, and malfunctioning CCTV cameras at multiple centers have sparked outrage. While the BPSC denied the claims and asserted smooth conduct in 911 out of 912 centers, the exam at one Patna center was canceled. Protesters have been demanding the cancellation of the preliminary exam and a re-examination.

Kishor’s Stand on the Issue

Prashant Kishor, who has transitioned from election strategist to politician, began his hunger strike on January 2, voicing support for students affected by the alleged irregularities. He criticised the government for inaction, stating, “I’ll continue my fast-unto-death until the issue is resolved.” He also announced plans to file a High Court petition on January 7.

Vanity Van Controversy

The protest took an unexpected turn when reports of a luxury vanity van parked near the site emerged. Critics questioned Kishor’s commitment, accusing him of hypocrisy. Kishor refuted the allegations, explaining the van was to avoid false claims of breaking the hunger strike. “If people think the van costs crores, they can pay the rent themselves,” he quipped.

Political Reactions and Accusations

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the protest of being orchestrated and politicised by BJP allies. “This independent movement is being crushed by those acting as BJP’s ‘B’ team,” he claimed. Kishor, however, called for unity across party lines, urging leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav to support the students’ cause.

What’s Next?

As the protests continue to intensify, the focus remains on whether the Nitish Kumar-led government will respond to the demands for a re-examination. Kishor has warned of escalating measures, including halting Republic Day celebrations at Gandhi Maidan, if action is not taken by the end of January.

Prashant Kishor Detained During Hunger Strike Over BPSC Exam Leak

January 6, 2025, 8:26 am

In the early hours of Monday, Patna Police detained Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor. He was sitting on an indefinite hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan. His protest was against the alleged BPSC exam paper leak.

Kishor Stays Resolute in His Protest

Before being detained, Kishor declared that the protest would continue. He said, “We will continue doing what we are doing now, there will be no change in it… We will file a petition in the High Court on the 7th.”

Patna Police also cleared the Gandhi Maidan area. They conducted vehicle checks as protestors were leaving the location.

Kishor Calls on Tejashwi Yadav to Lead the Protest

Meanwhile, Kishor urged Tejashwi Yadav to lead the protest. “He (Tejashwi Yadav) is a tall leader. He is also the LoP. He should have led the protests. We will step aside,” Kishor said.

Kishor Emphasizes the Protest’s Non-Political Nature

Kishor stressed that the protest was not about politics. “This is the passion of the people of Bihar to better their conditions,” he said. “We care about the agenda of the students.”

Tejashwi Yadav Accuses BJP of Politicizing the Protest

On the other hand, Tejashwi Yadav accused the BJP of politicizing the protest. He stated, “The BJP’s ‘B team’ is trying to crush this independent movement.”

Controversy Surrounds Kishor’s Vanity Van

In response to Kishor’s use of a vanity van, Yadav said, “Actors sit in the vanity van, and the producer and the director make them sit. Everyone knows why.”

Students continue to demand the cancellation of the BPSC exam. They claim that a question paper leak compromised the exam’s fairness.

Prashant Kishor on Hunger Strike: Claims BPSC DSP Post is Being Sold for ₹1.5 Crore

January 4, 2025, 12:07 pm

Prashant Kishor, the leader of the Jan Suraaj Party, has entered the third day of his hunger strike in support of students protesting the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam. The students are demanding the cancellation of the December 2024 Bihar Civil Services (BPSC) exam, citing alleged question paper leaks. Kishor accused officials of corruption, claiming that more than half of the BPSC seats were being sold. “The issue is a larger corruption scandal… more than half of the seats are sold. The re-examination being conducted for 15,000 students doesn’t matter if you studied well. Seats are only given to those who pay money to corrupt officials,” he told.

Kishor further alleged that the position of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was being sold for ₹1.5 crore, and accused the government of turning a blind eye to these illegal activities. “The DSP post is openly being sold for ₹1.5 crore, and the government is silent on the matter. The public will respond after five years, just like when Nitish Kumar faced consequences in the elections,” Kishor added.

Kishor emphasized that he would not end his fast until the students’ demands were met. “I will not end my fast until the students’ concerns are addressed. We have suggested that the Chief Minister meet the students and find a solution together. If that happens, I will be willing to end my hunger strike,” he said. The protests erupted after the recent Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024, alleging leaks in the question paper. Students are demanding the cancellation of the exam.

Protests escalated on Friday, with demonstrators disrupting transportation and blocking roads and railways in Patna. Independent MP Pappu Yadav led the protests, halting trains in Patna, Araria, Purnea, and Muzaffarpur. Protesters also set tyres on fire in Patna and Purnea Police clashed with Left-leaning student organizations that tried to march to the Chief Minister’s residence. Several leaders from the Congress and CPI groups joined the protest but were blocked by the police. Left parties have called for state-wide protests on January 6 in support of the students.

Patna Police filed cases against Congress and Left party MLAs for creating law and order issues and disrupting traffic during the protests. Some of the MLAs named in the case include Shakil Ahmad, Gopal Ravidas, Mahboob Alam, and others. Later, Left-leaning student groups held a candle march in Patna to express solidarity with the protesting BPSC candidates.

BPSC Aspirants Accuse Prashant Kishor of Abandoning Protest During Police Action

December 30, 2024, 3:28 pm

A heated exchange occurred between political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor and Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants in Patna on Sunday night. The protesters were demanding a re-examination of the 70th BPSC preliminary exam and a meeting with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The confrontation took place after police used lathi charges against the aspirants during their protest at Gandhi Maidan. Kishor, who had supported the cause, was accused of being absent during the police action. Upon arriving at the scene, he was met with chants of “Prashant Kishor, go back,” and a tense argument ensued.

In response to the protesters’ anger, Kishor remarked, “You take blankets from us and then show us attitude.” This comment only escalated tensions, as the students questioned his absence during the lathi charge.

Kishor later addressed the situation at a press conference, denying the accusations and explaining that he had advised the students to disperse before the lathi charge occurred. He condemned the police action and vowed to file an FIR against the Patna Police, take the issue to court, and approach the Human Rights Commission. He also promised to join the protest on January 2 if no resolution is reached.

Kishor clarified that the students were leading the movement, as per decisions made during the ‘Chhatra Sansad’ (Student Parliament), and rejected claims from RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav that he had abandoned the cause.

Why Jan Suraaj’s Picked ‘School Bag’ as Party Symbol, Prashant Kishor Explains

November 2, 2024, 6:22 pm

Prashant Kishor, the chief of Jan Suraaj, addressed reporters in Gaya on Saturday regarding the party’s newly allotted poll symbol, the “school bag,” for the upcoming bypolls in Bihar. This symbol has been designated by the Election Commission for all four candidates representing Jan Suraaj in the Tarari, Ramgarh, Belaganj, and Imamganj assembly constituencies.

Kishor criticized the past 35 years under the leadership of RJD and JDU leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar, asserting that the school bag has been taken away from Bihar’s children. He stated, “In the 35 years of Lalu-Nitish rule, the school bag has been removed from the backs of the children of Bihar and a sack of labour has been tied on them. Jan Suraj’s thinking is that the way to end the poverty of the people of Bihar is school bag, the way to employment is school bag, and if migration in Bihar has to be stopped then the way is school bag.” He added, “That is why the election symbol of Jan Suraj is the school bag because only through education can people develop, poverty can be eradicated…”

Watch:

#WATCH | Gaya, Bihar: On his party’s election symbol ‘school bag’, Jan Suraj Chief Prashant Kishore says”… In the 35 years of Lalu-Nitish rule, the school bag has been removed from the backs of the children of Bihar and a sack of labour has been tied on them. Jan Suraj’s… pic.twitter.com/IpFxlIzW2s

— ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2024

Earlier this week, Kishor also urged the people of Bihar to stop voting for parties based on ‘jaat’ (caste) and ‘bhaat’ (free rations), arguing that this behavior contributes to the state’s ongoing backwardness. He emphasized the detrimental impact of this voting pattern, criticizing both state and central governments for their failure to address Bihar’s needs.

Kishor remarked, “Lalu Prasad and chief minister Nitish Kumar kept the whole of Bihar trapped in ‘jaat’ for 35 years. For the past 10 years, Modi has been short-changing you in exchange for five kgs of ‘bhaat.’ You must stop voting for ‘jaat’ and ‘bhaat’ if you want a better future for yourself and your children.”

Prashant Kishor Discloses Rs 100 Crore Fee for Political Advice

November 2, 2024, 9:44 am

Prashant Kishor, the convenor of Jan Suraj, disclosed his fee as an election strategist. He charges over Rs 100 crore for advising political parties and leaders. This revelation came on October 31 during his campaign for the upcoming by-elections in Bihar.

Addressing the Audience

At an event in Belaganj, Kishor spoke to a gathering that included members of the Muslim community. He noted that many people often ask how he funds his campaigns.

Confident Claims

“Ten governments in different states are running on my strategies,” Kishor stated confidently. He continued, “Do you think I won’t have enough money to set up tents and canopies for my campaign? Do you think I’m that weak?”

Unique Fees in Bihar

Kishor emphasized, “In Bihar, no one has heard of fees like mine. If I advise someone in just one election, my fee is Rs 100 crore or even more.” He explained that with one election advice, he could fund his campaign for the next two years.

Candidates for By-Elections

Jan Suraj has put forward candidates for four assembly seats in the upcoming by-elections. The candidates are Mohammad Amjad from Belaganj, Jitendra Paswan from Imamganj, Sushil Kumar Singh Kushwaha from Ramgarh, and Kiran Singh from Tarari.

Election Schedule

These by-elections are scheduled for November 13. The results will be declared on November 23. The four contested seats are Belaganj, Imamganj, Ramgarh, and Tarari.

About Manoj Bharti; Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Working President

October 2, 2024, 6:01 pm

Prashant Kishor, a renowned election strategist-turned-politician, officially launched his new political party, the Jan Suraaj Party, on October 2, 2024, in Patna. At the event, Kishor named former Indian Foreign Service officer Manoj Bharti as the working president of the party. Bharti, originally from Madhubani, Bihar, has an impressive academic and diplomatic background, having studied at IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi, and served as India’s ambassador to Ukraine, Belarus, Timor-Leste, and Indonesia.

During the launch, Kishor highlighted that the party had been functioning as a campaign for the past two to three years and recently received approval from the Election Commission of India. He emphasized the need for a major overhaul of Bihar’s education system, estimating that Rs 5 lakh crore would be required over the next decade to achieve world-class standards. He also pledged to end Bihar’s controversial liquor ban, arguing that the state loses Rs 20,000 crore annually due to the prohibition, which could instead be used to build the education infrastructure.

Kishor reiterated his vision of transforming Bihar, with a focus on education and employment. He called for voters to make decisions based on these critical issues, rather than on fear of political parties, as has often been the case in Bihar‘s history. He also emphasized that the Jan Suraaj Party would contest all 243 assembly seats, with a notable focus on inclusivity by reserving 40 seats for women candidates.

As Kishor pushes for an alternative political option, he faces both skepticism and support. Critics like Bihar Minister Ashok Chaudhary have questioned Kishor’s alignment with Gandhian ideals, while supporters hope his track record in election strategy will translate into effective governance.

Also read: Iran’s Missile Barrage Fails, Only One Palestianian in West Bank Died; Netanyahu Vows Retaliation

The Jan Suraaj Party is expected to be a significant contender in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, with Kishor and his team positioning themselves as advocates for a new political direction in the state.

On Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Inauguration Party Targets Liquor Ban

October 2, 2024, 5:50 pm

Election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor officially launched his political party, Jan Suraaj Party, in Patna on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in his career shift. During the launch, Kishor revealed that the party had been operational for two years and recently received approval from the Election Commission of India.

“Jan Suraaj campaign is going on for 2-3 years. People are asking when we will be forming the party. We all must thank God, today the Election Commission has officially accepted Jan Suraaj as Jan Suraaj Party,” Kishor said. This marks a significant milestone in his political journey after years of strategising for other parties across India.

Kishor’s agenda for Bihar is clear: an overhaul of the education system. He emphasised that Bihar requires Rs 5 lakh crore over the next decade to establish a world-class education system. He also pledged to end Bihar’s liquor ban, arguing that the current loss of Rs 20,000 crore annually due to the ban could be redirected toward education and development. “When the liquor ban will be removed, that money won’t go into the budget and will not be used for the security of leaders, nor it will be used for roads, water and electricity. That will be used only for building a new education system in Bihar.”

As Kishor prepares to contest all constituencies in Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections, his commitment to transforming the state is evident. He envisions a Bihar that becomes an employment hub rather than one that sees its youth migrate for work. He elaborated on this vision during the launch event, expressing his dream of building a state where people from other parts of India come to work in Bihar, reversing decades of migration trends.

In his speech, Kishor also addressed the political stagnation in Bihar, where voters have often been caught between two major forces—Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—both of which, according to him, have failed to provide viable alternatives. “At the beginning of the Jan Suraaj campaign, it was said that an important aim of this is to end the political helplessness under which in the last 25-30 years people voted for the BJP out of fear for Lalu Prasad out of fear for the BJP due to the lack of any alternative.”

In an effort to ensure inclusivity, Kishor announced that 40 out of the 243 candidates fielded by his party in the 2025 elections will be women. He also committed to releasing the party’s agenda in early 2025, which will outline a comprehensive vision for the state’s development. “The blueprint and vision for Bihar will be launched. These are important steps.”

Despite his ambitions, Kishor has faced criticism from some political figures. Bihar Minister Ashok Chaudhary took a dig at Kishor, suggesting that while he follows Mahatma Gandhi’s policies, his decisions contradict Gandhian ideals. “As far as we know Prashant Kishor, he has been managing political parties till date, but unfortunately, he did not get a second chance in the parties he managed. Today his expansionist soul has awakened which wants to do politics… He has named (the party) ‘Jan-Suraj’.”

Also read: Iran’s Missile Barrage Fails, Only One Palestianian in West Bank Died; Netanyahu Vows Retaliation

Prashant Kishor’s move from a background role as a political strategist to launching his party is being watched closely by both critics and supporters. His party’s fresh approach, combined with his promise to address Bihar’s pressing issues, places Jan Suraaj in the spotlight ahead of the 2025 elections. Kishor’s challenge will be converting the years of strategizing experience into a winning formula for his newly launched political endeavour.

Prashant Kishor Says Jan Suraaj to Give Jolt To Bihar Politics

September 30, 2024, 10:34 pm

As political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor gears up for the official launch of his political party, Jan Suraaj, on October 2, 2024, he has made it clear that his role will not be one of leadership. Kishor, who has been conducting a grassroots campaign in Bihar over the past two years, aims to address the state’s long-standing political inertia and create a credible alternative to the dominant parties like the BJP and RJD. He emphasised that his objective is not personal political power but the betterment of Bihar’s social and economic landscape.

The Jan Suraaj movement has garnered significant support, with over a crore people involved, and aims to offer a comprehensive political alternative. Kishor plans to release the party’s vision and agenda in early 2025, focusing on addressing key issues like education, employment, and governance. He also expressed a broader dream of making Bihar a state that could attract workers from more prosperous regions like Jharkhand and Haryana, reversing the state’s history of outward migration.

One of the critical challenges that Jan Suraaj seeks to address is what Kishor calls the “political helplessness” of Bihar, where voters have oscillated between voting for BJP and Lalu Prasad’s RJD out of fear rather than conviction. His campaign, which has covered 60% of Bihar’s villages, focuses on mobilising the state’s citizens to form a new political entity driven by collective will rather than individual leadership. Kishor’s vision involves elevating Bihar to be among the top ten states in India by focusing on long-term development strategies in areas like agriculture and local governance.

In a sharp critique of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his party JD(U), Kishor questioned the party’s future, arguing that it is now run by a small circle of advisors rather than elected representatives. This, according to him, has led to an inefficient governance model that has little promise for the state’s future.

Also read: Political Strategist Prashant Kishor Outlines Agenda for New Party

Kishor’s efforts to reshape Bihar’s political landscape are closely tied to his padyatra (foot march), which began on October 2, 2022, from West Champaran, and continues to build momentum as he tours villages to gather support and spread awareness about the need for better governance. While Kishor’s party aims to contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in 2025, he stresses that the larger goal is societal change, urging people to vote for their children’s future rather than under political pressure.

The launch of Jan Suraaj on Gandhi Jayanti symbolizes Kishor’s call for a new political order rooted in collective action, leaving behind the entrenched political dynamics that have governed Bihar for decades.

Political Strategist Prashant Kishor Outlines Agenda for New Party

August 4, 2024, 4:17 pm

Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor discussed the initial objectives of his upcoming political party, Jan Suraaj, on Sunday. Kishor stated that the party aims to halt migration from Bihar and remove current leaders like JDU chief Nitish Kumar and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav from power. He revealed that Jan Suraaj will officially transition into a political party on October 2, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

Kishor emphasized that the formation of Jan Suraaj will involve around one crore people from Bihar coming together to shape the future of their children. “On October 2, it’s not Prashant Kishor who is forming a political party, but rather one crore people of Bihar who will unite to create a party for their children’s future, aiming to remove Nitish and Lalu and stop migration,” Kishor said. He added that his role has shifted from advising political parties on election strategy and campaigning to providing guidance directly to the people of Bihar.

Kishor also confirmed last week that he will not seek any official position within the Jan Suraaj Party. “Over the next two months, 1.5 lakh office bearers and numerous founding members will discuss and finalize the party’s key priorities, draft a constitution, and elect its leaders,” he noted. “As promised, I will not pursue any role in the party and will focus on grassroots outreach for the foreseeable future. The process started with a prayer chosen by the people through an online survey,” he added.

Prashant Kishor Criticizes “Fake Journalists And Loudmouth Politicians” After Exit Poll Results

June 2, 2024, 3:27 pm

Shortly after the release of the exit poll results for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, political strategist Prashant Kishor took a swipe at what he termed “fake journalists and loudmouth politicians.” Kishor urged the public to refrain from engaging in “useless discussions” and “analyses” propagated by these individuals.

The Jan Suraaj Party chief had earlier predicted that the BJP-led NDA could secure around 303 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, a figure comparable to the party’s performance in the 2019 polls.

In an interview with The Print, conducted hours before the release of the exit poll results, Kishor reiterated his assessment of the BJP’s anticipated success. He highlighted the party’s sustained support in western and northern India while anticipating gains in eastern and southern regions. Kishor also suggested a potential rise in the BJP’s seat tally and vote share in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Various exit polls have projected a favourable outcome for the ruling NDA alliance, with predictions ranging from 335 to 401 seats for the BJP-led coalition. If these projections hold, Prime Minister Narendra Modi could secure a third consecutive term in office, matching the record set by Jawaharlal Nehru.

The final results of the Lok Sabha elections will be announced on June 4.

Prashant Kishor Reacts to Exit Polls Predicting Massive BJP-Led NDA Victory in 2024

June 2, 2024, 2:23 pm

Political strategist Prashant Kishor expressed his disdain for “fake journalists and loudmouth politicians” on social media, urging the public to avoid “useless discussions” and “analyses” following the release of exit polls for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The exit polls, released on June 1, overwhelmingly predict a third consecutive term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA expected to secure a substantial majority.

In a pointed message on X (formerly Twitter), Kishor wrote in Hindi, “Next time there’s talk of elections and politics, don’t waste your valuable time on the useless discussions and analyses of idle fake journalists, loudmouth politicians, and self-proclaimed social media experts.”

Prashant Kishor, who leads the Jan Suraaj Party, has been consistent in his predictions, suggesting that the BJP could win around 303 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, similar to their tally in the 2019 polls. In an interview with The Print, he reiterated his assessment, forecasting that the BJP-led NDA would achieve comparable or slightly better results, particularly in eastern and southern India.

“According to my assessment, the BJP is going to come back with the same or slightly better numbers. In western and northern India, I don’t see a significant shift in the number of seats. The party has gained adequate support from regions in the east and south of India,” Kishor stated. He noted the BJP’s intensified efforts to strengthen its presence in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, anticipating gains due to the electorate’s relative unfamiliarity with the BJP in these regions.

Exit Poll Results Overview

Various exit polls released on June 1 have provided a broad consensus on the likely outcome of the elections:

India Today-Axis My India: Predicted 361-401 seats for the NDA and 131-166 seats for the opposition INDIA bloc.
ABP-C Voter: Forecast 353-383 seats for the NDA and 152-182 seats for the opposition.
Today’s Chanakya: Projected 335 seats for the BJP and 400 for the NDA, with a margin of 15 seats either way, and 107 seats for the opposition.
Times Now-ETG Research: Estimated 358 seats for the NDA and 152 seats for the opposition.
News18: Suggested the BJP alone could win 306-315 seats, with its alliance securing 355-370 seats, and the opposition bloc gaining 125-140 seats.
Republic TV-P Marq: Predicted up to 359 seats for the NDA and 154 for the opposition INDIA bloc.
Jan Ki Baat: Estimated 362-392 seats for the NDA and 141-161 for the opposition.
India TV-CNX: Gave 371-401 seats to the NDA and 109-139 to the opposition.
News Nation: Predicted 342-378 seats for the NDA and 153-169 seats for the opposition.

If these exit polls prove accurate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will match Jawaharlal Nehru’s record of leading his party to victory for a third consecutive term. The BJP’s slogan of ‘400 paar’ for its alliance in the Lok Sabha polls seems within reach, based on these predictions.

Prashant Kishor earlier predictions align with the exit polls, indicating no significant dissatisfaction with the BJP government at the Centre. In a previous interview with NDTV, Kishor emphasized the absence of widespread public anger against Modi, suggesting that the BJP is poised for another victory.

The official counting of votes is scheduled for June 4, which will ultimately confirm whether the exit poll predictions hold true. As the political landscape evolves, the strategic moves and public sentiments reflected in these elections will continue to shape India’s future trajectory.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 7: Pre-Exit Poll Prediction By Prashant Kishor

June 1, 2024, 3:22 pm

Hours before the release of the 2024 exit poll results, election strategist Prashant Kishor reaffirmed his prediction regarding the performance of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA in the Lok Sabha elections. Several national and regional news channels, along with poll survey agencies, are scheduled to release their exit poll results around 6:30 pm, shortly after the conclusion of the phase 7 voting for the general election on Saturday, June 1.

Prashant Kishor also suggested a potential increase in the BJP’s seat tally and vote share in the eastern and southern states. He noted the party’s intensified efforts to strengthen its presence in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, anticipating gains due to the electorate’s relative unfamiliarity with the BJP in these areas.

The political strategist previously asserted that there was neither significant dissatisfaction with the current BJP government at the Centre nor a strong demand for an alternative in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In an interview with NDTV, the Jan Suraaj Party chief also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lead the BJP to another victory in the Lok Sabha polls, predicting that the saffron party’s seat count could be close to or even surpass its 2019 tally of 303.

“I think Modi-led BJP is returning. They may get the same numbers as last election or do slightly better,” NDTV had quoted Prashant Kishor as saying.

“We should look at the fundamentals. If there is anger against the incumbent government and its leader, there is a possibility that regardless of whether there is an alternative, people may decide to vote them out. So far, we have not heard that there is widespread public anger against Modiji. There may be disappointment, unfulfilled aspirations, but we have not heard of widespread anger,” Prashant Kishor added.

Saturday’s voting will conclude the extensive polling process that commenced on April 19. The assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim also participated in the polls. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4, with the assembly poll results for Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim being counted on June 2.

As per the Election Commission’s guidelines, television channels and news outlets can start broadcasting exit poll data and results after 6:30 pm.

The poll panel has urged voters to turn out in greater numbers, voting responsibly and with pride. The voter turnout in the first six phases of the general election was 66.14 per cent, 66.71 per cent, 65.68 per cent, 69.16 per cent, 62.2 per cent, and 63.36 per cent, respectively.

The campaigning for the final phase, which concluded on the evening of May 30, featured ruling BJP leaders, led by Modi, accusing the Congress and the INDIA opposition bloc of corruption, anti-Hindu sentiments, and engaging in looting, appeasement, and dynastic politics.

Meanwhile, the opposition parties have asserted that the BJP is anti-farmer, anti-youth, and will alter or scrap the Constitution if it wins the election.

Historically Speaking: Who Is The New Weathervane Of Indian Politics?

May 25, 2024, 5:26 pm

The upcoming episode of Historically Speaking hosted by Dr. Aishwarya Pandit Sharma, features Sobhana Nair, Deputy Editor of The Hindu and author of the book ‘Ram Vilas Paswan: The Weathervane of Indian Politics’ as a guest. She talks about who is the new weathervane of the Indian politics.

Nair refers to Prashant Kishor as the new weathervane of the Indian politics. She notes that Kishor, who is associated with a political party, has recently conducted several exclusive interviews where he has offered predictions regarding the outcomes or results expected on June 4.

Nair says,”That’s a bouncer, you have dropped a bouncer at me, and I shall hit it back. I think, from the present crop, I think Prashant Kishor, thankfully, he has a political party. So considering he has been going around in this week itself, I think he given half a dozen exclusive interviews predicting the outcome, predicting the results for June 4th. I think him.”

Prashant Kishor slams JDU on ‘Dhandhebaaz’ remark: ‘Won’t contest elections’

November 13, 2022, 12:12 pm

Prashant Kishor, a former political strategist who is now an activist, barred himself from running for election while reiterating his commitment to create a “better alternative” for his home state Bihar.

In his remarks to a press conference on Saturday, he further slammed JD(U) leaders for calling him a “dhandhebaaz” (trader) with little political knowledge and tasked them with finding out “why he had me put up at his property for two years.”

“Why would I contest polls? I have no such aspirations “The I-PAC founder snarled when he was asked repeatedly if he intended to stand for election himself.

He was addressing on the eve of the district convention for West Champaran, which was set for Sunday and at which the public’s views on the formation of the “Jan Suraaj” campaign as a political party will be sought.

Kishor, who is on a 3,500-km-long “padayatra” of the state, said similar people’s polls will be held in all districts of the state based on which the next course of action will be decided.

Kisor claimed Kumar will once again shower encomiums on him if he joins his “political enterprise”.

“Since I have charted an independent course for myself, he and his lackeys are unhappy with me,” he said.

“JD(U) leaders like to berate me. They should ask Nitish Kumar what was I doing at his residence for two years if I had no political understanding,” he added.

Replying to a query, Kishor said he did not repent for having worked with Kumar in the past.

“There is a world of difference between what he (Kumar) was 10 years ago and what he is now. He had given up his chair in 2014 owning moral responsibility for his party’s drubbing in Lok Sabha polls. Now, he is willing to make any type of compromise to stay in power,” Kishor said.

Kishor said, “I have said it many times and I say it again — if they fulfil the promise I will give up my campaign,” while mocking the grand alliance government’s promise of 10 lakh jobs a year.

Prashant Kishor reacts on Nitish’s comment ‘PK working for BJP’

October 9, 2022, 12:50 pm

Political analyst Prashant Kishor responded to Nitish Kumar on Sunday, claiming that the Bihar chief minister has become “delusional” and “politically isolated,” and as a result, speaks differently from what he means.

He added that Kumar’s advancing age is having an impact on him and is evident in his “nervousness”. Kishor was responding to the chief minister’s remark that the politician, who had just started a statewide “padayatra” to bring “Jan Suraj” to Bihar, was “working for the BJP,” after he claimed that Kumar had urged him to join his Janata Dal (United) party.

“He (Kumar) said I am working on BJP’s agenda and asked him to merge with Congress. How is it even possible? If I were supporting the BJP, why would I ask him to strengthen the Congress? If the second claim is correct, the first one gets wrong,” Kishor said.

“He (Kumar) has been affected by his age and has turned delusional. He has been politically isolated as he is surrounded by people who he himself does not trust. And it is because of this nervousness that he speaks other than what he means,” he added.

Recently, Kishor and Kumar have both made accusations against the other.

The chief minister of Bihar claimed on Saturday that Kishor, who has assisted political parties in winning elections and influencing people, is currently making unfounded assertions. He continued by saying that Kishor had previously persuaded him to combine his JD (U) with the Congress. Kishor claimed that on October 5th, Kumar had invited him to his home and offered to lead and join his party.

But Kishor has made enough inferences to suggest that after his yatra is over, he intends to start his own political party. He has frequently remarked that now was the moment “to get directly to the people.”

On October 2, Kishor set out on his “padayatra” from the Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram. He has criticised every political party that has held power in Bihar, claiming that nothing has changed there since 1990. According to him, residents of this state would inevitably leave to seek employment in other states.

Kishor briefly held the position of JD (U) national president before being ousted.

The strategist predicted that the current Mahagathbandhan coalition of seven parties would not continue until the next assembly election in an interview last month.

Nitish Kumar left the NDA and returned to the RJD in August.

Prashant Kishor states that he will not work for Nitish Kumar

October 6, 2022, 12:50 pm

Prashant Kishor, an election strategist turned politician, said on Wednesday that he would not work for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, even if Nitish vacates the CM’s chair for him. Prashant Kishor stated that he made a promise to the people that he cannot change. He has also revealed that during their last meeting, after Nitish Kumar left the NDA alliance in Bihar and became the chief minister of the Mahagathbandhan in the state, Nitish Kumar asked him to join the JD (U).

“I categorically told the CM that I will not work with him even if he (Nitish Kumar) makes me his political heir or …vacates the chair of CM for me. I said no….I have made a promise to the people…it can’t be changed,” Prashant Kishor said as he addressed a gathering at Jamunia village in the West Champaran district as part of his ongoing 3,500-km Jan Suraah yatra.

Prashant Kishor made frequent references to Nitish Kumar in his addresses during the yatra. “You all must have learnt through media reports that Nitish Kumar had called me to his residence about 10-15 days back. He asked me to lead his party. I said it is not possible,” Prashant Kishor said on Tuesday.

“After losing the 2014 (Lok Sabha) polls, he met me in Delhi, begging for help. I assisted him in winning the 2015 assembly polls as the chief ministerial candidate of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’. Today, he has the temerity to offer ‘gyan’ (wisdom) to me,” he said.

Prashant Kishor joined the JD(U) in 2018 and rose to the position of national vice-president before being expelled due to a disagreement with Nitish Kumar over the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Nitish Kumar recently accused Prashant Kishor of working for the BJP, while the JD(U) questioned Prashant Kishor’s funding for his yatra. Prashant Kishor addressed these concerns, stating that those interested in his funding should be aware that, unlike them, he never engaged in ‘dalaali.’

“Politicians have for long been seeking my advice on how to win elections. Media has been full of praise for my track record as a political strategist. But never before have I asked anybody to lend me money,” he said. “But today I am seeking donations. This is the fee that I am charging towards building this movement which entails expenses like the tent we have put up here,” Prashant Kishor said.

Tejashwi Yadav : Nitish and Lalu will meet Sonia Gandhi soon

September 12, 2022, 11:25 am

The chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, and his ally Lalu Yadav will meet Sonia Gandhi soon, according to Tejashwi Yadav, who made the announcement on Monday as the opposition tried to unite against the BJP in advance of the 2024 elections.

Once madam Sonia ji is back, then a meeting would happen. Both of them (Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav) would go together,” the Bihar deputy chief minister said.

During his visit to Delhi last week, Kumar met with a number of opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal. For a medical check-up, Sonia Gandhi is in abroad.

Last week, Kumar had stated, “We want to be the primary front, not the third front.” He had also spoken with Mulayam Singh Yadav, the founder of the Samajwadi Party, and as a result, a banner with the message “UP + Bihar = Gayi Modi Sarkar” was spotted at the SP headquarters in Lucknow, implying that the alliance would reduce the influence of the BJP.

Tejashwi Yadav also poked fun at those who have criticised the Grand Alliance’s pledge to provide 20 lakh employment for young people in his most recent remarks.

Those who don’t believe this need to wait and watch. It will certainly happen. I won’t comment on whatever someone says,” he said.

“We are in the government and this is our commitment. This will definitely happen,” he added.

The Nitish Kumar-Tejashwi Yadav government has come under fire for its job promises after the BJP, and now poll strategist Prashant Kishor has joined the fray. Kishor had expressed questions about the coalition’s effectiveness last week as the Bihar CM said that “it’s possible he wants to support the BJP.” Kishor responded, “Let’s wait for a year and see.”