Prashant Kishor to Contest Elections: Possible Seats Revealed

Political strategist Prashant Kishor has shed light on his potential electoral plans in Bihar, revealing the constituencies he might choose to contest from in the upcoming elections. Speaking to the media, Kishor stated that if he decides to run, he would likely contest from either Kargahar, his hometown, or Raghopur, the current seat of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. This announcement came in response to questions regarding an interview where he expressed his intention to participate in the elections. Kishor clarified that while no official announcement had been made, the party was deliberating, and his candidacy would be decided collectively. He added that, should he run, Kargahar or Raghopur would be the likely options. Kishor was speaking in Karakat, a town approximately 120 kilometers from the state capital. He explained that Kargahar, part of the Sasaram Lok Sabha constituency in the Rohtas district, is his “birthplace,” whereas Raghopur is his “karmabhoomi,” representing his area of work, similar to the rest of Bihar. Kishor has previously expressed his interest in contesting from Raghopur. Raghopur is situated in the Vaishali district and falls under the Hajipur Lok Sabha constituency, which is currently represented by Union Minister Chirag Paswan. Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD has won from this seat in both 2015 and 2020. His father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, also contested from this constituency previously. Kishor also commented on a widely shared video on social media that showed Tejashwi Yadav celebrating the success of Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Rights Yatra. The yatra took place across 25 districts, covering over 1,300 kilometers. Kishor used the video to imply that Tejashwi Yadav’s failures extend beyond academics and cricket to encompass even the organization of smaller events. It should be noted that Kishor had collaborated with the RJD, JDU, and Congress alliance during the 2015 assembly elections. Addressing the Bihar bandh called by the NDA in response to the language used against PM Modi’s deceased mother, Kishor stated that the public would not support the bandh, as it was a call by political leaders. He contrasted this with the upcoming Jan Suraaj Party gatherings, which he claimed would each draw at least 20,000 attendees. When informed that state BJP president Dilip Jaiswal, whom he has targeted over allegations related to medical colleges, became emotional and wept over the comments against PM Modi’s mother, Kishor responded with amusement. He suggested that Jaiswal should have instead addressed the allegations against him and indicated his intention to release further evidence against Jaiswal and other Bihar leaders. Jan Suraaj Party has recently leveled serious charges against BJP leaders Dilip Jaiswal, Health Minister Mangal Pandey, West Champaran MP Sanjay Jaiswal, and JDU Rural Works Minister Ashok Chaudhary.