Prashant Kishor on why new political parties are thriving in Bihar

Political strategist Prashant Kishor, who is leading the ‘Jan Suraaj Yatra’ march across Bihar, said there was a strong need for ideological similarity between Lalu Yadav and the chief minister After 35 years of rule by Nitish’s ideologically similar BJP, the state is ripe for a new political formation. Kumar’s Janata Dal United told the Press Trust of India news agency that “maximum anti-incumbency” was at work in the state and there was enough space for new parties to flourish.

Mr Kishore’s march is expected to end with the announcement of a party ahead of parliamentary polls later next year. Kishore said that once the party takes shape, it will participate in every election.

He also said that in the Assembly polls, at least 75 people belonging to extremely backward classes will be fielded on a single platform supported by his ‘Jan Suraaj’.

Over the years, Bihar, one of the Hindi heartland states, has witnessed a multi-cornered contest, with the BJP, Congress, Janata Dal and other smaller groups besides the RJD and JD(U) also participating.
Asked if there was enough space to accommodate the other party, Mr Kishore replied firmly in the affirmative.

“Almost similar organizations built around Lalu and Nitish have been around for 35 years. They have more or less similar ideologies,” he said, listing out the long-standing issues of social justice, society and society in every election. ism and “jungle rule” issues.

“The anti-incumbency sentiment is the greatest there. There has been no fundamental change in 35 years. In my opinion, there is still room,” added the political strategist, who at one point joined Kumar’s party and gradually became a Key members. Resigned due to differences of opinion with the Chief Minister.

The leader said his march, aimed at asking people key questions and getting their feedback, had received a huge response. The leader had guided the BJP’s election campaign in 2014 and subsequently saw the Trinamool Congress, Nitish Kumar and Jaganmohan Reddy-led YSR Congress come to power or return to power. .

He even orchestrated the Congress campaign in Punjab that brought the Amarinder Singh government to power in 2017. However, talks with the Congress party for accession failed, followed by a push by Jan Suraaj.

Mr Kishore said that when he started the ‘Jan Suraaj’ pilgrimage on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary on October 2, 2022, he planned to identify 20 “suitable” people in each block but received a massive response In response, between 2,500 and 3,000 people offered to become its founding members.

(With PTI)