As Bihar gears up for the upcoming elections later this year, the political atmosphere is heating up with leaders like Chirag Paswan and Prashant Kishor making bold statements and strategic moves. While Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party has been drawing significant attention and rallying large crowds across the state, Chirag Paswan, the Union Minister and leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), remains skeptical about the emergence of a third force in Bihar’s elections. In a recent interview, Paswan dismissed Kishor’s chances of making a substantial impact, although he acknowledged his role in the electoral process.

Chirag Paswan’s Assessment of Prashant Kishor’s Role

Responding to a question on whether Prashant Kishor could be an “X-factor” in the upcoming elections, Chirag Paswan was quick to downplay the notion. He stated, “Well, definitely a factor — but I don’t know about an X, Y, or Z factor. I was once an X factor in 2020, so I am sure Prashant won’t like to listen to this, given how I performed then. He would surely want to win far more seats than what I won then.”

Paswan’s statement refers to his own performance in the 2020 Bihar elections, where his party, the LJP, managed to secure a modest number of seats. He seems to suggest that Kishor’s ambition to win more seats may not necessarily translate into success, given the traditionally two-way battle in Bihar’s political landscape.

Bihar’s Political Landscape: A Two-Way Battle

While Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party has certainly created waves with its extensive padyatra and political rallies, Chirag Paswan remains convinced that the electoral battle in Bihar will once again come down to a contest between the two major political alliances — the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance).

Paswan emphasized that Bihar’s electorate is highly politically aware, making it difficult for any third party to secure a significant victory. “Bihar’s elections are generally two-way battles,” he explained. “So eventually it will be either NDA or Mahagathbandan which wins. I don’t think a third party can win — maybe they will be a factor in denting this or that alliance, I don’t know. Time will tell. But in terms of winnability, I don’t see much space for a third party,” Paswan said in his interview with CNN-News18.

The comment underscores the dominant role that the major political coalitions play in Bihar. Both the NDA, which currently holds power at the center and in Bihar, and the Mahagathbandhan, an alliance of several opposition parties, have historically been the primary contenders in the state elections. The possibility of a third party gaining traction is seen by Paswan as unlikely, although he conceded that such a party could potentially influence the outcomes by affecting the vote share of the larger parties.

Prashant Kishor’s Journey: From Poll Strategist to Jan Suraaj Party Leader

Prashant Kishor, a seasoned political strategist, has been a key player in several successful electoral campaigns across India. His involvement in helping both the BJP and Congress win elections over the years has earned him recognition as one of India’s top poll strategists. However, in 2024, Kishor decided to take his political career to the next level by launching his own political party, the Jan Suraaj Party, with the aim of contesting all 2025 assembly seats in Bihar.

Kishor’s move to start his own party was followed by a padyatra (foot march) across Bihar, aiming to connect directly with the voters and build a grassroots network. His primary message has been to focus on good governance and addressing the issues faced by the common people of Bihar. With a campaign that emphasizes “Jan Suraaj” (people’s governance), Kishor has positioned himself as an alternative to the established political parties, hoping to carve out a space for his new political venture.

The Debate: Chirag Paswan vs. Prashant Kishor

The rivalry between Chirag Paswan and Prashant Kishor intensified after Kishor’s suggestion that Chirag Paswan should resign as Union Minister to focus on the Bihar elections. Kishor stated that if Paswan truly wanted to make a significant impact in Bihar, he should quit his position in the central government and dedicate himself entirely to the state.

In an interaction with ANI, Kishor said, “The day Chirag resigns as Union Minister and clarifies that he will work for Bihar, then people will take him seriously in Bihar. People in Bihar started taking me seriously when I clarified that I will not be doing the work I used to do, and since then, it’s been three years, and I am here in Bihar only and making efforts.”

Kishor’s statement implied that Paswan’s position in Delhi as Union Minister might be seen as a conflict of interest, as it distances him from the issues and concerns that directly affect the people of Bihar. Kishor has consistently argued that a political leader must be physically present in their constituency and actively engage with the public to build trust and credibility.

Chirag Paswan’s Response to Kishor’s Suggestion

Chirag Paswan, however, was not swayed by Kishor’s suggestion. He reiterated his commitment to both his role as a Union Minister and his dedication to the welfare of Bihar. Paswan maintains that his position in the central government allows him to work more effectively for the people of Bihar by being involved in national policymaking and ensuring that Bihar’s needs are represented at the highest levels of government.

Paswan responded to Kishor’s call for him to focus exclusively on Bihar by saying that his decision to remain in Delhi does not diminish his commitment to the state. “I am still deeply involved in the issues of Bihar and continue to work for its progress, both at the national level and within the state,” Paswan said.

The Road Ahead: Who Will Shape Bihar’s Political Future?

As the elections in Bihar approach, the political landscape is increasingly divided between these prominent leaders and their respective parties. While Chirag Paswan continues to defend his position and his approach to Bihar’s development, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party is rapidly gaining traction among voters who are dissatisfied with the traditional political establishment.

With the Bihar elections expected later this year, the competition between the NDA, the Mahagathbandhan, and newer players like Kishor’s party is set to become one of the most closely watched political battles in the country. While Paswan remains confident that the future will ultimately belong to either the NDA or the Mahagathbandhan, the impact of third parties, such as Kishor’s, cannot be dismissed entirely.

The ongoing rivalry between Chirag Paswan and Prashant Kishor highlights the dynamic political environment in Bihar. While Paswan remains a key figure in the NDA’s strategy, Kishor’s emergence as a leader of the Jan Suraaj Party offers a fresh perspective for the electorate. With both leaders focusing on the future of Bihar, the state is witnessing a political shift that could shape its political landscape for years to come.

As the political landscape evolves, Bihar’s electorate will have the ultimate say in determining who represents their hopes, aspirations, and vision for the future. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the course of Bihar’s political journey, and it remains to be seen whether Paswan’s long-standing presence in state politics will outlast the growing influence of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party.