By Arun Srivastava
India’s most successful political strategist who was instrumental in Narendra Modi’s successful 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign and later guided more than ten politicians across India reach the Chief Minister’s chair, Prashant Kishor is now eyeing power for himself in Bihar through his new outfit, Jan Suraaj.
With a deep understanding of electoral strategy and economic realities, Kishor has gradually shed the image of being the BJP’s “B-Team” and seems to have emerged as a serious contender in the upcoming state polls.
Over the past few years, he has walked through villages and towns across Bihar, interacting directly with people through the Jan Samvad Yatra. This extensive ground-level engagement has transformed him from a strategist into a mass leader — now seen as a significant factor in every pre-poll survey.
In a state traditionally dominated by caste-based politics, Kishor has chosen a different route. Instead of caste arithmetic, he has focused on migration, unemployment, and economic backwardness. A Brahmin by caste, Kishor has deliberately avoided the caste card, insisting that “Bihar needs a change in mindset, not merely a change in caste equations.” The growing resonance of this narrative indicates that his strategy is working.
Kishor’s expertise in electoral data and socio-economic analysis remains his biggest weapon. From demographic trends to youth migration statistics, his understanding of Bihar’s pulse allows him to communicate with authority. His speeches and debates often carry data-driven insights rather than mere political slogans.
Financial strength is another critical aspect of Indian elections, and Jan Suraaj appears well-prepared here too. Kishor has claimed, “In the last three years, I earned ₹241 crore through political and corporate consultancy, paid over ₹51 crore in taxes, and donated ₹98 crore of my personal wealth to Jan Suraaj.” If accurate, this demonstrates that he stands on solid financial ground — a key advantage in a state where money power often shapes electoral outcomes.
As Bihar heads toward its official election announcement, Jan Suraaj has already disrupted the political narrative. Kishor’s recent allegations — backed by documents — have forced ruling NDA leaders to repeatedly issue clarifications, denting their public image.
Political observers note that Kishor’s campaign has attacked both the ruling alliance and the opposition. He has questioned the RJD’s governance record, corruption, and dynastic politics, helping position Jan Suraaj as a third front — distinct from both power and opposition. Initially dismissed by the Mahagathbandhan as the BJP’s hidden ally, Kishor has turned the label on its head. Today, his sharp criticism of NDA leaders — from Dilip Jaiswal to Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary — has put the ruling camp on the defensive.
Interestingly, the opposition bloc has remained silent during these exchanges, allowing Kishor to dominate the narrative. Analysts believe this is a tactical silence — letting Jan Suraaj erode the NDA’s credibility while keeping their own political capital intact.
Within the BJP, there is growing concern. Leaders privately admit that while Jan Suraaj has not yet damaged their vote base, it has made the leadership vacuum more visible. The absence of a clean, state-wide popular face — combined with Kishor’s targeted allegations — makes it risky for NDA to project any one leader as its CM candidate.
This election could redefine Bihar’s politics. For the first time in decades, a contender is challenging the system not through caste or legacy but through governance, data, and accountability. For Prashant Kishor, this election is not just about winning power — it’s about testing whether ideas can finally triumph over identities in Bihar. If he succeeds, the political balance of the state could change for years to come.
Writer is a senior journalist