Prashant Kishor Declared Jan Suraaj Candidate for Bankipur By-Election, Vows to Defeat BJP; Says “My Only Goal Is to Establish Alternative Politics in Bihar”
Patna: Political activity in Bihar has intensified following the announcement of Prashant Kishor as the Jan Suraaj candidate for the Bankipur Assembly by-election. Addressing party workers at the party office on Sunday after his candidature was announced, Kishor launched a sharp political attack on the BJP and the state government. He said that the Bankipur by-election is not merely a contest for one Assembly seat but an election that will help determine the future direction of Bihar's politics.
During his address, he declared that his party would do everything necessary within the democratic and constitutional framework to defeat the BJP. Thanking the party leadership, workers, and supporters, Kishor said the election is not about personal ambition but about advancing the movement to establish an alternative political culture in Bihar.
First Major Statement After Being Named Candidate
Speaking publicly for the first time after being nominated as the Jan Suraaj candidate, Prashant Kishor said the Bankipur by-election represents far more than a contest for a single constituency.
According to him, the election is an opportunity to bring about a change in Bihar's political culture and offer voters a new political alternative.
He said that the people of Bihar are looking for change and that Jan Suraaj seeks to become the platform for that transformation.
Determined to Challenge the BJP
During his speech, Kishor identified the BJP as his party's principal political opponent and asserted that Jan Suraaj would challenge it through democratic means.
He stated that if Bihar is to witness a new political era, the existing political establishment must be challenged. He added that his party would contest the election with full strength while remaining committed to democratic values and constitutional principles.
Alternative Politics Is His Life's Mission
Prashant Kishor said that building Jan Suraaj has been the primary mission of his life for the past four years.
He added that for at least the next ten years, his sole objective would be to establish an alternative political model in Bihar—one that rises above caste, religion, and traditional political equations and focuses on development, education, healthcare, employment, and good governance.
According to him, the people of Bihar deserve a credible political alternative that prioritizes public welfare over conventional political practices.
Not a Personal Achievement
Kishor emphasized that contesting the Bankipur by-election should not be viewed as a personal accomplishment.
Instead, he described it as an important milestone in the broader Jan Suraaj movement for political and social reform. He said that if the party secures victory in Bankipur, it would provide fresh momentum to the movement for political change across Bihar.
He urged party workers to treat the election as a campaign for social transformation rather than merely a contest to win a seat.
Acknowledges Supporters' Disappointment
During his address, Kishor acknowledged that some Jan Suraaj supporters had felt disappointed following the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
However, he said that such challenges are natural for any new political movement. He added that the organization has continued to strengthen itself and that its workers remain committed to engaging with people at the grassroots level.
He expressed confidence that a victory in the Bankipur by-election would revive enthusiasm among supporters and reinforce the movement's vision for change.
Calls the By-Election a Turning Point
Prashant Kishor described the Bankipur by-election as an important political milestone rather than just an election to choose a legislator.
He said the outcome would indicate whether the people of Bihar are prepared to embrace a new political alternative beyond traditional party politics.
According to him, public support for Jan Suraaj would encourage broader political debate across the state.
Appeal to Party Workers
Kishor urged party workers to reach every household and communicate the vision and objectives of Jan Suraaj directly to the people.
He stressed that election campaigning should not be limited to speeches but should focus on understanding public concerns and presenting practical solutions.
Emphasis on Development-Oriented Politics
Kishor argued that Bihar's elections have traditionally revolved around caste and conventional political equations.
He said Jan Suraaj seeks to shift the focus toward development, education, healthcare, employment, agriculture, and transparent governance.
According to him, these issues should become the central themes of Bihar's politics if the state is to achieve meaningful progress.
Political Reactions Intensify
Prashant Kishor's candidature and his strong political statements have sparked fresh discussions across Bihar's political circles.
Political observers believe that the Bankipur by-election could become a prestige battle for all major parties, with its outcome likely to influence the state's political landscape ahead of future elections.
However, they also note that the final verdict will rest with the voters.
With Prashant Kishor entering the fray as the Jan Suraaj candidate for the Bankipur Assembly by-election, the political contest has become significantly more competitive. Declaring that his goal is not merely to contest an election but to establish an alternative political model in Bihar, he positioned the by-election as a crucial step in the Jan Suraaj movement.
Calling on party workers to campaign with full commitment, Kishor expressed confidence that a victory in Bankipur would strengthen the movement for political change. The focus will now shift to the electorate, whose decision will determine not only the outcome of the by-election but also its broader impact on Bihar's political landscape.
