In a politically charged statement ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has claimed that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s failing health and ineffective leadership could become key reasons for voters to look beyond the current NDA leadership in the state. Kishor made these remarks in an interview with The Indian Express, where he discussed a variety of issues, including voter behavior, party strategies, and the growing dissatisfaction among the people of Bihar.

Kishor Questions Nitish Kumar’s Viability as CM Candidate

According to Prashant Kishor, Nitish Kumar’s health is deteriorating and that may hinder his ability to campaign effectively. He believes that if the NDA projects Nitish as the CM face, and he fails to connect with the crowd, people might lose faith in the alliance and shift focus to other emerging parties.

Kishor stated:

"The moment the NDA announces him as its CM face and he is not able to address the crowd, people may make up their mind to look beyond him."

This not only challenges Nitish Kumar’s position in the NDA but also questions the alliance’s strategic foresight in projecting a potentially weak candidate.

Positioning Jan Suraaj Party as a Serious Contender

Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) is being viewed by many political observers as a new entrant testing electoral waters. However, Kishor rejected such assumptions outright. He claimed that his party was not a vote-cutter but a credible and emerging alternative for the people of Bihar.

He stated:

"The JSP is being underestimated. We are going to be a big factor."

Kishor has already completed a padyatra across 20 out of 38 districts in Bihar, as part of his efforts to connect with people and understand their issues before formally launching JSP. He emphasized that JSP is not just a 2025 experiment but a party aiming to transform Bihar's political landscape.

Attacking JD(U) and RJD Over the Waqf Act Issue

Kishor also criticized JD(U) and RJD for their stance on the Waqf Act, suggesting that their longstanding appeal among Muslim voters is now diminishing. He brought attention to Union Home Minister Amit Shah quoting Lalu Prasad Yadav’s old speech in Parliament supporting an amendment in the Waqf law, thereby exposing what he called the double standards of RJD.

He said:

"Lalu has been seen for long as the rahnuma (leader) of the Muslims but now the community needs new leaders."

Further attacking Nitish Kumar, Kishor said JD(U) supporting the Bill has eroded its credibility among Muslims, who once formed a strong vote bank for the party.

Criticism of BJP’s Polarisation Politics

On BJP’s handling of issues like Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and triple talaq, Kishor said that voters, especially Muslims, have seen through their intentions. He argued that both NDA and INDIA bloc have lost credibility among voters, particularly Muslims, due to their legislative and communal stance.

He mentioned:

"Muslims have seen through the motives of the NDA as well as the INDIA bloc. This is where the JSP has emerged as an option."

JSP’s Attempt to Break Traditional Political Patterns

Kishor’s strategy focuses on disrupting the current political monopoly held by parties like JD(U), RJD, and BJP. With the young voter base growing, and many citizens tired of decades-old leadership, JSP is promoting itself as a platform for new faces and fresh governance.

He emphasized that people of Bihar are eager for a change, and JSP will provide them with that alternative political narrative.

Conclusion: A Battle of Leadership and Legacy

As Bihar gears up for its 2025 Assembly elections, it is becoming increasingly clear that leadership image, health concerns, and credibility among minority voters will play major roles. Prashant Kishor has positioned himself and JSP as not only a disruptor but also a serious contender aiming to lead a new wave of politics in the state.

With Nitish Kumar’s health becoming a political talking point and traditional alliances facing credibility crises, the Bihar election battlefield looks set for an intense and possibly transformative showdown. Whether JSP can convert sentiment into votes remains to be seen, but Kishor has certainly set the stage for a new kind of political contest in Bihar.

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