KKN Gurugram Desk | On a brief yet impactful one-day visit to Jehanabad, Bihar on Sunday, renowned political strategist and Jan Suraaj campaigner Prashant Kishor offered a sharp rebuttal to critics questioning his background and motives. Speaking publicly, Kishor clarified that while he may be a businessman, he is not a criminal, not a sand mafia, and certainly not a fodder scam convict.

“Yes, I am a businessman. But I am not a thief. I’ve never gone to jail. I’ve not stolen sand, nor been involved in scams,” said Kishor, directly addressing public skepticism.

Context: Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Yatra Continues

This statement comes amid growing traction of his ‘Jan Suraaj’ yatra across Bihar, a campaign he launched in 2022 aimed at grassroots political reform and alternative governance. Kishor has been traveling extensively across districts, conducting panchayat-level dialogues, and mobilizing local citizens against systemic corruption and dynastic politics.

His visit to Jehanabad, a politically sensitive district in central Bihar, is viewed as another step in solidifying Jan Suraaj’s presence in the region, especially in the run-up to the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections.

“I May Be a Businessman, But I Am Not a Thief” – A Strategic Message

By making a public declaration of his clean legal record, Prashant Kishor sought to distinguish himself from mainstream politicians in Bihar, many of whom have serious criminal cases or corruption charges pending against them.

This was also seen as a subtle reference to well-known scams in Bihar’s political history, such as the fodder scam (Chara Ghotala), which led to the conviction of several political figures, including former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav.

His Exact Words:

“Main vyapari ho sakta hoon, lekin chor nahi hoon. Na to main jail gaya hoon, na balu chori ki hai, na chare ka ghotala kiya hai.”

This kind of language, direct and confrontational, has become a hallmark of Kishor’s public communication strategy — designed to build a clean, reformist, and outsider image in a state long dominated by entrenched political elites.

Why Jehanabad? Political Significance of the Region

Jehanabad has a reputation for being politically active and socially dynamic. It has witnessed numerous political movements, agrarian uprisings, and caste-based mobilizations. By choosing this location for his high-impact statement, Kishor likely aimed to appeal to:

• The politically aware rural youth

• Marginalized communities tired of dynastic politics

• Small business owners and first-time voters looking for a change in leadership

Media and Public Reactions

The statement quickly caught the attention of local media outlets and was widely shared across social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp groups in Bihar.

Supporters hailed it as a bold truth in an age of sanitized political rhetoric, while critics questioned the timing and motive behind the comparison.

Political analysts believe this could spark further debates around the criminalization of politics, especially in a state like Bihar where a large number of MLAs have declared criminal charges in their affidavits.

A Calculated Narrative: Repositioning the ‘Technocrat’ as a Grassroots Leader

Though originally known for working behind the scenes as a strategist for national leaders like Narendra Modi (2014), Nitish Kumar (2015), and Mamata Banerjee (2021), Prashant Kishor’s recent pivot to grassroots politics has been carefully curated.

He presents himself not as a politician in the traditional sense, but as someone bringing technocratic solutions backed by field-level engagement. The narrative of “not a criminal” strengthens his image as a man of clean intent — someone new voters can trust.

What Does This Mean for Bihar’s 2025 Elections?

Bihar is poised for high-stakes assembly elections in late 2025. Kishor’s Jan Suraaj initiative is being seen as an attempt to disrupt the bipolar political narrative between RJD-led alliances and the JD(U)-BJP combine.

By invoking ethics and accountability, Kishor is offering a third front — not necessarily in numbers yet, but in ideological space. His repeated efforts to declare his distance from criminality, corruption, and scam culture may resonate with urban middle-class voters, first-time voters, and disenfranchised youth.

Looking Ahead: Will This Narrative Work?

Kishor’s strategy is undoubtedly bold, but its success depends on three factors:

1. Electoral Conversion: Can this clean image turn into actual votes?

2. Grassroots Network: Will his campaign volunteers and yatra model match the organizational strength of major parties?

3. Media and Opposition Response: How will established leaders and parties counter this rising “reformist” image?

As of now, Prashant Kishor remains a wildcard in Bihar politics — unpredictable but increasingly visible, and hard to ignore.

Prashant Kishor’s declaration in Jehanabad — “I may be a businessman, but I am not a thief” — is more than just a rebuttal. It’s a strategic positioning, part of a larger narrative where he seeks to cleanse Bihar’s politics of criminality and corruption. With the Jan Suraaj yatra gaining momentum, and public engagement rising, this marks a critical moment in his journey from consultant to contender.