Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, in his first remarks since his party’s poor showing in the Bihar Assembly elections, announced a day-long maun upvaas (vow of silence) to reflect on the setback. He acknowledged that the party had fallen short in conveying its message to voters and failed to deliver the political change it had sought.
Kishor said the setback was not for lack of effort but due to shortcomings in strategy and outreach. He stated that the responsibility for the defeat lay squarely with him. “We attempted to bring about a change in government, but we were unsuccessful. It is clear we made mistakes. I take full responsibility and apologise for not being able to convince the people of Bihar,” he said.
Despite the defeat, Kishor confirmed he would not withdraw from politics, contradicting his earlier pledge that he would quit if the JDU won more than 25 seats. He maintained that he still stands by the statement, but introduced a new condition, saying he would leave politics if the state government transfers ₹2 lakh each to 1.5 crore people as promised before the elections. “If the government fulfils this commitment and proves the mandate was earned without manipulation, I will retire from public life,” he said.
Kishor rejected accusations that voters sold their votes, arguing instead that the NDA’s sweeping victory was influenced by unprecedented promises made to the electorate. “People here do not trade their future. What influenced the result was the commitment to spend ₹40,000 crore. That shaped the mandate,” he said. He further claimed that government officials and Jeevika workers were involved in communicating promises, alleging that in each constituency around 60,000 to 62,000 people were given ₹10,000 and assured of a ₹2 lakh loan if the government returned to power.
Jan Suraaj contested 238 of Bihar’s 243 Assembly seats but failed to secure a single win. The NDA registered an overwhelming victory with 202 seats, with the BJP winning 89, the JDU 85, and Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) contributing 19. Kishor said the party had hoped to initiate systemic reforms but ultimately struggled to gain electoral traction. He added that internal introspection would begin immediately.
