Patna: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor addressed the media for the first time after his party’s defeat in the Bihar Assembly Elections. Taking full responsibility for the loss, he also clarified his earlier statement in which he had said he would retire from politics if Chief Minister Nitish Kumar won more than 25 seats.
“I Said I Would Quit Politics, Not Leave Bihar”
Speaking at the press conference, Kishor said:
“I do not hold any official post, so there is nothing for me to resign from. I never said I would leave Bihar. I said I would not participate in politics, and I stand by that statement.”
He explained that raising public issues and voicing people’s concerns is not politics. He also added that he never claimed he would stop working for the people of Bihar.
Kishor said he would completely leave politics if the government fulfils its promise of giving ₹2 lakh to women.
“No One Loses Until They Give Up”
Amid speculation that he might exit Bihar after the defeat, Kishor said people should not have such misconceptions.
“No one is defeated until they quit. I will not leave Bihar until my mission to improve the state is complete,” he said.
Kishor Questions Election Commission Over Voting Pattern
Kishor raised concerns over what he called the misuse of government machinery during elections. According to him, “vote theft” is not the real issue; rather, the suspicious last-minute surge in polling percentage is.
He pointed out that in many places, voting increased by 15–20% in the final two hours, and yet the Election Commission has not released detailed data. He also alleged that Jeevika Didis were used as mobilizers, which he said was an improper use of government employees.
Although Jan Suraaj is a small party, Kishor urged the opposition to take this matter seriously and approach the Supreme Court if required. He said it was time to review whether the current Model Code of Conduct is effective enough.
Ready to Move Supreme Court
Kishor reiterated earlier allegations made against certain political leaders. He said he expected the government to take action against them, but the public voted them back with a strong mandate.
He insisted that the government should not include them in the cabinet.
“If any of the four leaders we earlier named are made ministers again, we will go to court,” he warned.
Accuses Government of Making Costly Promises
In one of his strongest allegations, Kishor said that for the first time in independent India, especially in Bihar, a government promised to spend ₹40,000 crore on people, which contributed to NDA’s big win.
He rejected the claim that voters sold their votes for ₹10,000.
“People here will not sell their future or their children’s future,” he said.
He further alleged that in each assembly constituency, around 60,000–62,000 voters were offered ₹10,000 and promised loans of ₹2 lakh. He claimed that government officials and Jeevika Didis informed people that they would get the loan if NDA returned to power.
Helpline Number Released
Prashant Kishor released his contact number — 91 216 91216 — for beneficiaries who did not receive the promised amount.
He appealed to them to join the Jan Suraaj Party, saying the party would fight on their behalf.
“The time for advice is over. The time for struggle has begun,” he said.
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