Is Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party Credible?

Patna, Sep 12 (NationPress) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former Bihar state president Sanjay Jaiswal launched a strong critique against political strategist-turned-leader Prashant Kishor, casting doubt on the credibility of his Jan Suraj Party and accusing it of numerous inconsistencies in its establishment.

During a press conference at a hotel in the Maripur area of Muzaffarpur, Jaiswal stated that while Kishor frequently speaks about five guarantees, he himself is faced with 'five unanswered questions'.

He accused Kishor of misleading the public by stating on October 2, 2022, that he would first travel across Bihar and only launch a political party if the populace desired it.

However, Jaiswal produced a newspaper clipping from August 22, 2022, featuring an advertisement that announced the formation of the Jan Suraj Party.

“That advertisement was intentionally published in obscure newspapers from Delhi and Punjab, away from Bihar, to avoid scrutiny,” Jaiswal asserted.

The BJP MP further noted that even back in 2022, the Jan Suraj Party had an official organization with Sarat Kumar Mishra as President, Vijay Sahu as General Secretary, and Ajit Singh as Treasurer, all registered at an address in Delhi.

“The same names and address remain unchanged even today. What is the rationale behind re-launching the party in 2024? Isn’t this a scam?” he questioned.

Jaiswal also demanded clarification on when and where a general meeting was held to replace Sarat Kumar Mishra with Uday Singh and Manoj Bharti as president.

“As far as I know, no such meeting occurred. Then how did Sarat Kumar Mishra vanish?”

Additionally, Jaiswal accused Kishor of evading formal accountability.

“Your image is everywhere, yet you never hold an official position in the party. Is it because when scandals emerge, you will evade responsibility while others like Uday Singh and Manoj Bharti will face the fallout?” he asked.

He also pointed out that the Jan Suraj Party's official website fails to list its office bearers.

“Is this a venture you plan to shut down post-elections?” he questioned.

Jaiswal accused Kishor of running a questionable political campaign, suggesting that dubious donations are flowing into his party.

“You are leading the party in Bihar, so why are individuals like Gulati and Vij providing you funds? The Living Global Foundation was registered in Bengaluru with a mere capital of Rs 50,000, so why is it donating crores to your employees in the name of an NGO?” he queried.

The BJP MP further questioned how an NGO could finance a political party that was only officially registered in 2022.

“The amount you reported in your annual return equals your daily expenditure. Isn’t it true that for the remaining 364 days, your campaign is funded by NGOs associated with Telangana contractors and liquor firms, in exchange for future promises of contracts and lifting prohibition?” Jaiswal alleged.

“You speak everywhere about how you will end prohibition within an hour if you gain power. What is Enrica Enterprises Private Limited? Its directors are liquor tycoons who are heavily funding you. Have you promised them liquor stores on every street in Bihar after the elections?” he questioned.

He also accused Kishor of undermining Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s two-decade effort to enhance education.

“Nitish Kumar has worked tirelessly to get children into schools over the last 20 years. Is your vision of change to inundate them with alcohol and online gambling?” he asked.

On his final point, Jaiswal alleged that Kishor’s political agenda is aimed at weakening the NDA and indirectly empowering the RJD.

“You have claimed that if you win 10 seats, you will dissolve the party and free the MLAs. Isn’t it true that you have struck a deal worth Rs 200–400 crore with Lalu Yadav? Even after 20 years, Lalu could not defeat Nitish Kumar. Is your plan solely to fragment the BJP’s votes and aid the Mahagathbandhan? You have even declared that you will avoid fielding Muslim candidates where the Mahagathbandhan has already fielded them. This indicates your goal is not to win but to undermine the NDA,” he alleged.

Jaiswal appealed to voters and intellectuals, stating: “The people of Bihar must question Prashant Kishor—who is financing Jan Suraj? Where does the funding originate? Is this a political donation or an investment from liquor companies and Telangana contractors, expecting a return after the elections?”

Jaiswal concluded by asserting that Prashant Kishor, who claims to offer guarantees to the populace, must first ensure transparency regarding his party’s origins, funding, and true motives.