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Prashant Kishor, a renowned poll strategist, marked his entry into the political arena with the launch of his Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) on Gandhi Jayanti. This launch came after a two-year-long padyatra, covering 5,000 kilometers across 17 districts and 5,500 villages, during which Kishor engaged directly with the people of Bihar. The event was marked by several key announcements, particularly focused on party structure, candidate selection, and future plans.
The newly launched Jan Suraaj Party boasts a unique flag featuring the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, symbolizing the party's commitment to social justice and inclusivity. Kishor emphasized the party's groundbreaking initiative to incorporate 'right to recall' into its constitution. This means voters retain the power to recall their elected representative within a two-year period if they fail to uphold their promises or engage in corrupt practices. This initiative aims to enhance accountability and empower the electorate.
Kishor boldly declared that Jan Suraaj would be the first party in India to allow candidates to be chosen directly by the people, rather than being handpicked by leaders. He drew a comparison with the US electoral system, where aspiring candidates compete for the party nomination through a process of public engagement and persuasion. Jan Suraaj's candidate selection process will involve a series of public consultations and a vetting process where the party members from each constituency will scrutinize the candidates' backgrounds and suitability. The party will announce the names of potential candidates by March 2025, allowing voters to make an informed choice.
Kishor also dispelled speculation about his leadership ambitions, stating that he does not intend to hold any official position within the party. He emphasized that the Jan Suraaj party is a platform for competent individuals to serve the people, regardless of their financial or caste backgrounds. Furthermore, he announced that the party would contest the upcoming Bihar bypolls and establish itself as a strong opposition force in the state by November 2023. He also revealed that Manoj Bharti, an IITian, would serve as the working president of the party, highlighting the party's commitment to bringing in skilled individuals.
Jan Suraaj Party's launch and its bold promises have certainly created a buzz in Bihar politics. Kishor's padyatras, focused on engaging directly with the people, were a strategic move to gain grassroots support. The party's unique features like the right to recall and the candidate selection process highlight a departure from traditional political structures. It remains to be seen how effectively the party can translate its ambitious plans into reality and whether it can gain significant traction in the upcoming elections.