Patna, Bihar – In the aftermath of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP), has commenced a 'Maun Vrat' (vow of silence) following his party's failure to secure even a single seat in the state assembly. The JSP contested in 238 seats but could not win any, managing a vote share of just 3.44%. In a significant number of constituencies, the party even received fewer votes than "None of the Above" (NOTA).
Kishor's decision to observe silence is being seen as an act of atonement and responsibility for the party's dismal performance. The political strategist-turned-politician made the announcement at a press conference in Patna, where he took "100% responsibility" for the outcome, acknowledging his failure to win the trust of the people of Bihar. He stated that there must have been mistakes in the party's efforts, thinking, and messaging. The 'Maun Vrat' is being observed at the Gandhi Bhitiharwa Ashram in West Champaran on November 20, a location historically significant as the starting point of Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha in 1917.
Despite the defeat, Kishor has affirmed his commitment to continue working for the people of Bihar. He has also stated that he will not be leaving Bihar and will work even harder than before. Kishor emphasized that despite the party's strategic errors, it had not compromised on ethics, refraining from divisive politics based on caste or religion and avoiding voter bribery. He has also invited party workers across the state to join in the collective fast from their respective locations.
Several factors have been attributed to Jan Suraaj's failure in the Bihar elections. Analysts point to a lack of rural outreach, a failure to connect with women voters, and organizational weaknesses. Kishor's decision not to contest the election himself may have also cost him credibility. Some analysts also suggest that the party's message, centered on development, failed to resonate in a state where identity and caste cohesion continue to play a significant role in electoral outcomes. The perception that Jan Suraaj was a "B-team" of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also damaged its credibility among opposition-leaning voters.
Despite winning no seats, Jan Suraaj managed to secure a 3.4% vote share, outperforming several established parties like the BSP, AIMIM, and the Left parties. The party also finished third in a significant number of constituencies. In as many as 35 constituencies, the Jan Suraaj polled more votes than the winning margin, suggesting that it may have played a spoiler role in the outcome of the election.
Looking ahead, Kishor has called for introspection within the party and has vowed to learn from the mistakes made during the campaign. He has also taken on the role of an opposition leader, promising to hold the newly elected government accountable for its poll promises. He has criticised the alleged distribution of cash doles by the ruling NDA alliance before the elections, calling for the government to fulfill its promises to the women of Bihar.
While Jan Suraaj's electoral debut was unsuccessful, Kishor's continued presence in Bihar politics suggests that he intends to remain a force to be reckoned with in the state's political landscape.
