KKN  Gurugram Desk | On Sunday, Prashant Kishor, the architect of the Jan Suraj movement, addressed a large gathering in Sahila-Hathoudi, Muzaffarpur. His speech was a sharp critique of both the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government led by Nitish Kumar. During his address, Kishor urged the public to shift from a system ruled by political leaders to one that is driven by the people. He stressed that the upcoming elections should bring “the rule of the people” rather than the continued dominance of leaders like Modi, Nitish, and Lalu.

Prashant Kishor’s Criticism of the Modi and Nitish Governments

Prashant Kishor started by targeting the Prime Minister for allegedly misleading the people of Bihar. He accused Modi of taking votes from the people of Bihar while benefiting Gujarat’s economy. Kishor said that the Prime Minister’s promises of development have not reached Bihar, where industrial growth remains stagnant.

“Modi is taking votes from you, but where are the factories? Why are the factories being set up in Gujarat instead of Bihar?” Kishor questioned the crowd. He emphasized that it was high time for Bihar’s people to take a stand for their children’s future. “This time, vote for your children, not for Modi, Nitish, or Lalu. This time, it is the people’s raj (rule) that must come,” he added.

Engaging the Audience: A Direct Conversation

Kishor continued his address by asking the people of the region direct questions. “If PM Modi comes and tells you to vote for Nitish Kumar, will you do it?” he asked, engaging directly with the crowd. The response from the crowd was clear—many voiced their displeasure with the idea of supporting Nitish Kumar’s leadership.

He followed up with another question: “Should Nitish Kumar remain as the Chief Minister, or should he be replaced?” The crowd resoundingly replied, “He should be removed.” Kishor then asked, “What if Modi comes and says we should keep Nitish as CM, will you listen?” The crowd, once again, voiced their disagreement, stating they did not want Nitish Kumar to stay in power.

A Strong Critique of Nitish Kumar’s Government

Kishor went on to argue that the situation in Bihar today was far worse than it had ever been during the tenure of former Chief Minister Lalu Yadav, whom he referred to as the leader of “Jungle Raj.” He claimed that the governance under Nitish Kumar had become a form of “Jungle Raj” by itself, with an administration marked by corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability.

In his criticism of Nitish Kumar, Kishor remarked that the Chief Minister’s political ethics had deteriorated over the years. “Nitish Kumar is only concerned about his chair. He no longer cares about the people or their problems,” Kishor added, expressing the disillusionment of many in the region with the current leadership.

The Role of Bihar’s Finance Minister in the State’s Economic Crisis

Prashant Kishor also criticized Bihar’s Finance Minister, Samrat Chaudhary, and raised significant concerns regarding the state’s economic situation. Kishor questioned why over 26 lakh crores of capital had been moved from Bihar to other states through the banking system. “Why has such a massive amount of money left the state? Samrat Chaudhary needs to explain why this is happening,” he said. He called on the minister to clarify Bihar’s CD ratio (credit-deposit ratio) and why such discrepancies were happening under the state’s financial governance.

Questioning Unemployment and Mismanagement of Funds

The Jan Suraj leader also highlighted the issue of rising unemployment in Bihar, particularly pointing out the mismanagement of funds allocated for employment programs like MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). He emphasized that the funds allocated for employment generation were not being utilized effectively, leading to widespread poverty and lack of opportunities.

“80% of Bihar’s population earns less than 100 rupees a day. And yet, the state has not shown significant improvements in employment or living standards,” Kishor lamented. He further pointed out that the per capita income in Bihar is still only 34,000 rupees, far lower than many other states in India. This, he argued, reflected the failure of both the state and central governments to provide the necessary infrastructure for economic development.

A Call for Change: Focus on the Future

Kishor’s rally in Sahila-Hathoudi was not just a critique of the current leadership but also a call for change. He emphasized that Bihar’s future depended on a collective effort to remove the existing political structures and replace them with a government that truly serves the people. “The government must be accountable to the people, not to political elites,” he said.

He encouraged the people of Bihar to take charge of their future by casting their votes for change. “This time, vote for the future of your children. Vote for a Bihar where opportunities are created, and development reaches every corner of the state,” he concluded.

The Leadership of Prashant Kishor: A New Beginning

Prashant Kishor has long been a prominent figure in Indian politics, especially known for his role in electoral strategies. His Jan Suraj movement, however, represents more than just another political campaign. Kishor’s focus is on creating a political framework where the government is accountable to the people, not just to political elites or powerful leaders.

His journey from being a political strategist for national campaigns to being the leader of his own movement has made him a significant figure in Bihar’s political landscape. His rallies, such as the one in Muzaffarpur, are aimed at mobilizing the masses against what he perceives as a corrupt and ineffective governance system. He has consistently called for a new political structure in Bihar, one that ensures real development, accountability, and transparency.

The Growing Influence of Jan Suraj Movement

The Jan Suraj movement, which Kishor is spearheading, is gaining momentum as it focuses on Bihar’s urgent need for change. Kishor’s straightforward approach to politics and his willingness to confront established leaders like Modi and Nitish Kumar have earned him the attention of Bihar’s masses.

The movement has sparked discussions about the future of Bihar’s political landscape, with many people in the state feeling that they have been let down by the current ruling parties. Whether Kishor’s movement can translate into a political force that challenges the dominance of Nitish Kumar and the BJP remains to be seen, but his rhetoric has certainly stirred the people of Bihar to reconsider their choices in the upcoming elections.

Prashant Kishor’s rally in Muzaffarpur is a pivotal moment for Bihar’s political future. As he continues his Jan Suraj journey, his critiques of both the central and state governments are resonating with many who feel that they have been neglected by the existing leadership. His call for a people-powered government has sparked debates across the state and could potentially alter the political dynamics in the region.

While the future of the Jan Suraj movement remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Prashant Kishor has become a significant voice for change in Bihar, and his influence is only expected to grow as the state approaches its next elections.