Prashant Kishor, the renowned political strategist, faced a significant setback in the recent Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, with his Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) failing to secure a single seat. This outcome marks a dramatic turn for someone known for crafting successful electoral strategies for other parties. Despite an extensive campaign, including a state-wide foot march and a focus on critical issues, the JSP's performance fell short of expectations, prompting analysis into what went wrong.
Several factors contributed to this debacle. A primary weakness was the lack of a robust organizational structure at the grassroots level. While Kishor's "padyatra" (foot march) generated awareness and drew crowds, the party lacked established booth-level workers and local leaders essential for success in Bihar's elections, where deep local connections and social dynamics are crucial. Micro-level caste networks, local loyalties, and sustained cadre mobilization are key to winning Bihar, elements that Kishor's movement lacked despite the enthusiasm it generated.
Candidate selection also proved to be a challenge. The JSP primarily fielded professionals, retired bureaucrats, and educated newcomers, aiming to present a "clean" alternative. However, many of these candidates lacked the necessary local roots and community familiarity to win voter trust. Furthermore, Kishor's decision not to contest the election himself sent a negative signal, leading some to question his confidence in the party and the seriousness of his political project.
The political landscape of Bihar also played a role. The election became largely a contest between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan, leaving limited space for a third alternative. Many voters viewed supporting a new party as risky, fearing their votes might indirectly aid rival alliances. In a state where caste and coalition arithmetic remain fundamental, Jan Suraaj's issue-based, non-caste narrative failed to resonate with a broad voting base. The party also struggled to create a counter-identity coalition in a state where identity and caste cohesion are heavily influential.
Messaging was another area of concern. Kishor's repeated message that Bihar needed a new political alternative became monotonous. Voters questioned the absence of a clear manifesto and how Jan Suraaj would differ from existing parties. While Kishor focused on issues like unemployment, migration, and education, these developmental narratives were overshadowed by traditional caste-driven politics.
Despite the electoral failure, Kishor's campaign has had some impact. It introduced topics like migration, education, and employment into the electoral discourse, challenging the dominance of caste-based narratives. The high voter turnout, particularly among women, indicated engagement with issues beyond traditional politics. Although the JSP did not win seats, it influenced outcomes in several constituencies. In many of these constituencies, the JSP's vote share exceeded the winning margin, altering the results for both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan.
In the aftermath of the election, Kishor has taken full responsibility for the JSP's performance. He acknowledged his failure to win the trust of the people and to effectively communicate the need for a new system. Kishor has vowed to continue his efforts to improve Bihar, indicating a long-term vision for building a credible political alternative. He observed a day of silence at Gandhi's Bhitiharwa Ashram as a symbolic act of atonement and introspection. While the 2025 election was a setback for Prashant Kishor, it may also be the foundation for his future political endeavors in Bihar.
