KKN Gurugram Desk | Bihar’s political battleground has heated up further after Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor sharply countered recent allegations by JD(U) MLC Sanjay Singh. Sanjay had accused Kishor of seeking the Deputy Chief Minister’s post during his stint with JD(U). In response, Kishor mockingly stated:
Article Contents
“We were staying at the CM’s House—where someone like him didn’t even have permission to enter. How can we take such statements seriously?”
The retort has once again brought attention to Kishor’s evolving role in Bihar’s power politics.
The Initial Allegation: “Ambitious Prince, Wanted Deputy CM”
On June 8, 2025, JD(U) MLC Sanjay Singh accused Kishor of slipping into JD(U) ranks hoping to gain a high office. According to Singh:
-
Kishor had been elevated to national vice-president of JD(U)
-
He later demanded the Deputy CM seat after the 2020 political shuffle
-
Upon refusal by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Kishor grew bitter and dissident, forming his own Jan Suraaj Party
Singh dismissed Kishor’s party as a “costly branding scheme”, alleging it lacks real grassroots support.
Kishor’s Rebuttal: Questioning Credibility and Access
In a definitive rebuttal, Kishor questioned Singh’s credibility:
“When we met Nitish Kumar, were people like Sanjay Singh even allowed there? Was he present when I made a demand?”
He emphasized that his grievances and dialogue were with the CM alone—not intermediaries—and that Sanjay Singh had no role or standing in those discussions.
Prashant Kishor’s Political Journey and Split with JD(U)
Kishor and Nitish Kumar have had a long and influential partnership. Kishor was pivotal in forming the coronation of the Mahagathbandhan in 2015, and became JD(U) national vice-president in 2018. However, his departure in 2020 over JD(U)’s support of the CAA and alleged corruption marked a sharp shift.
He officially launched the Jan Suraaj Party in October 2024, positioning it as an alternative to JD(U) ahead of Bihar’s upcoming elections .
Corruption and Development: Kishor’s Core Critique
Kishor accused the current JD(U) government of being deeply mired in corruption and lacking development initiatives. He cited Kalyaan Bigha, where district administration reportedly barred him from entering, as proof of government overreach and silencing dissent
Understanding the Accusation’s Political Implications
Sanjay Singh’s allegations are politically significant because:
-
They challenge Kishor’s claims to be a clean-change agent
-
They highlight personal rivalry from those close to Nitish Kumar
-
They aim to portray the Jan Suraaj Party as ambitions-driven, not people-motivated
Kishor’s response, in turn, attempts to undermine Singh’s legitimacy as a speaker on those internal JD(U) dynamics.
Public and Party Response: A Mixed Political Pulse
Public reactions remain divided. Supporters of Kishor laud his bold comeback and positioning as a young leader pushing accountability. Some JD(U) followers claim Kishor is politically tone-deaf and exaggerating past privileges.
Political analysts say this back-and-forth signals Kishor’s active strategy to position the Jan Suraaj as Bihar’s leading opposition, challenging both JD(U) and RJD’s political hold.
What Comes Next: Stakes High in Bihar’s 2025 Elections
With Bihar set to go to polls later this year, this feud between Kishor and Sanjay Singh signals:
-
Fierce pre-election jockeying within the NDA coalition
-
Kishor’s clear intent to create a distinct narrative rooted in clean governance
-
A move to draw critiques away from larger parties and gain media attention
Political watchers believe more such skirmishes are likely as Kabhi BJP, Kabhi RJD fall short in attracting centrist voters.
Prashant Kishor’s stinging retort—about staying in the CM’s House while Sanjay Singh couldn’t—reveals more than personal bitterness; it reflects a growing confidence in his political identity.
As Kishor prepares for Jan Suraaj’s statewide padayatra, the manner in which he handles such allegations could define his party’s role in Bihar’s future political landscape. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether his narrative resonates more than JD(U)’s senior leadership.
