Is There an Injustice to Democracy? Prashant Kishor on Bihar Poll Results
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Prashant Kishor condemns Bihar election results as unjust.
- Allegations of widespread voter bribery were made.
- Kishor plans a public outreach initiative starting January 15.
- He pledges to donate 90% of his income to Jan Suraaj.
- The movement is described as a moral and social commitment.
Patna, Nov 21 (NationPress) The chief of Jan Suraaj Party, Prashant Kishor, sharply criticized the Bihar government on Friday regarding the recent Assembly election outcomes, labeling them as a grave injustice to the populace and accusing the administration of widespread voter bribery.
Kishor asserted that many impoverished families received Rs 10,000 each in return for their votes, a practice he condemned as a breach of democratic principles and a violation of the Constitutional values championed by B.R. Ambedkar.
In response to the Bihar Assembly election results, Kishor remarked, "These results signify an injustice to democracy. Numerous families in need were bribed with Rs 10,000 each, which blatantly contradicts democratic norms and the core spirit of the Constitution that B.R. Ambedkar envisioned."
He expressed his difficulty in accepting such results and reaffirmed that Jan Suraaj would persist in its struggle to uphold the rights and expectations of the citizens.
In a protest against the election results, Kishor observed a silent fast lasting a full day at the Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram in West Champaran on November 20.
He concluded his fasting at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, breaking his silence with the help of schoolgirls offering him juice.
Afterward, he spoke to the media.
Inspired by Gandhian values, Kishor announced a relaunch of a comprehensive public engagement initiative.
Starting on January 15, he intends to visit all 1.18 lakh wards in Bihar, directly interacting with the citizenry through the "Bihar Navnirman Sankalp Abhiyan".
This initiative, Kishor explained, aims to demand accountability from the state government regarding its promises and enhance grassroots communication.
In what he described as a moral and social pledge, Kishor stated he will donate 90 percent of his income over the next five years to Jan Suraaj and retain only one house from his assets accumulated throughout the past two decades.
All other properties will be contributed to Jan Suraaj, he confirmed.
"I will not abandon Bihar and will dedicate myself entirely to this movement," he asserted.
Kishor stressed that the fight for Jan Suraaj transcends political boundaries, asserting it as a moral and social movement, and reiterated his unwavering commitment to it.