Patna, Bihar – In the aftermath of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, political strategist Prashant Kishor has taken responsibility for the Jan Suraaj party's failure to secure any seats. The newly formed party, which Kishor officially launched on October 2, 2024, contested in almost all 243 constituencies but was unable to translate its campaign efforts into electoral success.
Kishor's Jan Suraaj campaign generated considerable buzz, including a 3,000-km padyatra and large gatherings, but it lacked the organizational structure at the booth level that is crucial for winning elections in Bihar. Analysts have pointed out that micro-level caste networks, local loyalties, and sustained cadre mobilization are key factors in the state's electoral landscape.
"I apologize," Kishor stated during a press conference held in Patna on Monday. "The responsibility for this defeat is mine. We were unable to effectively communicate our vision for Bihar, and I take full ownership of that." He acknowledged the need for a more robust grassroots organization and a deeper understanding of the state's complex social dynamics.
Despite the high-profile launch and campaign promises emphasizing employment, infrastructure, and law and order, Jan Suraaj candidates struggled to gain traction. The party's inability to secure even a modest base of support in most constituencies led to its candidates forfeiting their deposits in 236 out of the 238 seats contested. The Jan Suraaj party secured 3.5% of the total vote share. They secured 16.77 lakh votes, around 7,000 per seat. The party managed to finish as runner-up in only one seat and secured third place in 115 constituencies.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) registered a historic victory in the 2025 Bihar elections, winning 202 of the 243 seats. The Mahagathbandhan, on the other hand, secured only 35 seats. Jan Suraaj party expressed disappointment, attributing their loss to the NDA's cash transfer scheme for women and vote polarization following the Delhi bomb blast. Jan Suraaj Party national president Uday Singh, said that cash transfers to women played a significant role in the NDA's victory. According to Singh this was an attempt by the government to bribe people ahead of the polls and the cash benefits were transferred even after the model code of conduct came into force.
While Jan Suraaj failed to win any seats, it did impact the election results in several constituencies. In up to 34 constituencies, the Jan Suraaj polled more votes than the winning margin, altering outcomes for both alliances. The Mahagathbandhan lost 18 such seats, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) lost 15.
Political analysts suggest that Jan Suraaj's developmental narrative failed to resonate with voters whose decisions are heavily influenced by identity and caste cohesion. The party also lacked a counter-identity coalition to challenge the existing political power structures. Some voters were also unsure of Kishor's allegiances, given his history of advising multiple political parties.
Despite the electoral setback, Kishor has affirmed his commitment to continue working towards changing Bihar. He had previously stated that he would remain engaged in politics until at least 2031, dedicating a decade to transforming the state.
