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Prashant Kishor, a prominent political strategist known for his role in various successful electoral campaigns across India, is set to launch his Jan Suraaj campaign as a political party in Bihar on October 2, 2023, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. This announcement follows Kishor's confirmation earlier this month that Jan Suraaj will contest the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, a move he has hinted at on multiple occasions. The party's leadership structure will be determined through a democratic process, with a seven-member empowered committee conducting elections for top positions between August 15 and August 20. Kishor has outlined a unique system for party leadership, with a focus on inclusive representation.
The party's first president will be selected from the Dalit community, reflecting Kishor's commitment to addressing the needs of marginalized groups. This decision is rooted in the belief that Dalits are the most disadvantaged section of society, and providing them with leadership opportunities is crucial for social justice. The presidency will rotate annually, ensuring representation from other key social groups within a five-year electoral term. After the Dalit president, the party will be led by an EBC (Extremely Backward Classes) or Muslim candidate, followed by an OBC (Other Backward Classes) and a candidate from the general category. This rotational system aims to create a truly representative leadership structure, empowering all sections of society and fostering a sense of inclusivity.
Kishor's Jan Suraaj campaign commenced on October 2, 2022, in the form of an ongoing padyatra (journey on foot) across Bihar. The campaign is rooted in addressing key concerns such as education, healthcare, unemployment, and promoting proportional representation for Bihar's citizens. Kishor envisions a Bihar where every citizen has equal access to opportunities and the state thrives on a foundation of sustainable development. The campaign has garnered support from various individuals, including Jagriti Thakur, the granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, who joined the campaign on Sunday. Former Rashtriya Janata Dal MLC Rambali Singh Chandravanshi, expelled from the Bihar legislative council for indiscipline, also joined Jan Suraaj, along with former Indian Police Service officer Anand Mishra.
Kishor's influence on Indian politics is undeniable. His political consultancy firm, I-PAC, has been instrumental in various electoral victories, including the Bharatiya Janata Party's triumph in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Janata Dal (United)'s victory in the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress's success in West Bengal in 2021, the Aam Aadmi Party's win in Delhi in 2020, and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's victory in Tamil Nadu in 2021. He also played a key role in the YSR Congress Party's successful campaign for the 2019 Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh. His ability to analyze voter demographics, craft compelling narratives, and implement effective campaign strategies has made him a sought-after figure in Indian politics.
The launch of Jan Suraaj as a political party marks a significant development in Bihar's political landscape. Kishor's entry into the fray with his unique vision and strategy adds a new dimension to the upcoming 2025 Assembly elections. His focus on social justice, inclusive leadership, and development-oriented agenda presents a compelling alternative to the existing political forces in the state. The success of Jan Suraaj in the 2025 elections will hinge on its ability to connect with the electorate, translate its promises into actionable policies, and effectively address the concerns of the people of Bihar.
Source: Bihar: Prashant Kishor to launch Jan Suraaj party on October 2