Karuna Kumari
Patna, Nov 18: Poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has taken “full responsibility” for the crushing defeat of his Jan Suraaj Party in the Bihar assembly elections, saying the organisation failed to convert its three-year grassroots movement into electoral support.
Speaking at a press conference in Patna on Tuesday, Prashant said the results demanded “introspection”, and announced a day-long fast at Bhitiharwa Ashram in West Champaran on November 20 as an act of atonement.
“We could not bring systemic change. There must have been some flaw in our thinking. This responsibility is mine alone,” he said. “We didn’t get votes, but that is not a crime. In a state where politics revolves around caste and religion, we attempted issue-based politics. Those who have won will also be held accountable.”
PK rejects talk of leaving politics
Responding to questions about his earlier statement that he would “leave politics” if the JD (U) crossed 25 seats, Kishor dismissed the suggestion. He likened the situation to the Mahabharata, saying outcomes do not always reflect moral victory. “I am not going to leave Bihar. I will work twice as hard as I have in the past three years. There is no question of backing down,” he said.
Prashant insisted he holds no political post to resign from. “I speak for the people of Bihar. How can I stop doing that?”
Sharp attack on pre-poll cash transfers
Prashant reiterated his criticism of the government’s pre-election cash distribution schemes, arguing they fundamentally shaped the mandate. He claimed the state had effectively promised to spend Rs 40,000 crore during the election period – an unprecedented move.
“In every constituency, 60,000-62,000 women were given Rs 10,000 for self-employment. Government machinery was deployed and it was announced that if the NDA wins, each woman would get Rs 2 lakh more,” he said. He added that Rs 29,000 crore had been distributed through Jeevika groups, Mamta workers and ASHAs.
Prashant challenged the new government to deliver the promised Rs 2 lakh to 1.5 crore women within six months. “If this was not vote-buying, then fulfil your promise. Otherwise, it will be clear these payments were not welfare but inducement.”
Jan Suraaj launches public grievance number
Prashant announced helpline number – 9121691216 – urging women who do not receive the promised Rs 2 lakh to call Jan Suraaj. “We will accompany them to government offices. Their fight will be our fight,” he said.
Senior leaders including state president Manoj Bharti, former Kumhrar candidate KC Sinha, Manjhi candidate YV Giri, MLC Afaque Alam, state general secretary Kishore Kumar and other key office bearers were present at the press meet.
