Prashant Kishor, the renowned poll strategist and founder of Jan Suraaj, is gearing up for a significant political re-entry. With his party set to launch on October 2, Kishor has unveiled his plans for the party’s leadership structure and laid out a vision for proportional representation across social groups.
Leadership Roadmap and Party Launch
In a recent announcement, Kishor confirmed that he would not be seeking the top leadership role in Jan Suraaj. Instead, he emphasized that a Dalit will be appointed as the party’s first president. This decision underscores Kishor’s commitment to inclusivity and equal representation from the outset. The Jan Suraaj founder made this revelation after engaging with delegates from across Bihar, who convened in Patna to discuss the upcoming launch and the structure of the new political entity.
The party’s inaugural launch, set for October 2, 2023, marks the one-year anniversary of Kishor’s padayatra, which began with the promise of proportional representation and regional development. The padayatra was centered on the idea of creating opportunities within the state so residents would not need to migrate for education, employment, or medical care.
Leadership Selection and Representation
Kishor has announced that the leadership selection process will be inclusive and merit-based. Candidates aspiring to become the party president must demonstrate the ability to bring in at least 5,000 new members. The final decision will be made by a seven-member empowered committee, which includes prominent figures like Dr. Bhupendra Yadav, former IAS officers Suresh Sharma and Arvind Singh, and several other distinguished members.
The leadership plan involves rotational representation among various social groups, ensuring broad-based inclusion. Initially, a Dalit will hold the position, followed by a candidate from either the EBC (Extremely Backward Classes) or Muslim communities, then an OBC (Other Backward Class) and a general category representative. This rotation aims to ensure that all major social groups are represented over a five-year term.
Qualification Criteria and Caste-Based Politics
One notable aspect of Kishor’s approach is the flexibility regarding the educational qualifications required for the party president’s post. Kishor has hinted at a minimum qualification between Class 10 and 12, rejecting the traditional requirement of a graduate degree. This decision reflects his intent to challenge the existing political norms and address the educational disparities left by previous administrations.
Kishor’s strategy involves addressing the political landscape along caste lines but with a fresh approach. He plans to field candidates based on population proportions, ensuring fair representation for all communities. For example, despite the strong presence of EBCs in Bihar, Kishor plans to field approximately 70 candidates from this community in the upcoming Assembly elections.
New Faces and Political Reactions
The Jan Suraaj party has been bolstered by notable new entrants. Jagriti Thakur, granddaughter of the socialist icon and former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, has joined the party, along with retired IPS officer Anand Mishra and former RJD MLC Rambali Singh Chandravanshi. While Jagriti is making her political debut, her father, Dr. Birendra Thakur, remains outside the political arena, although her elder brother Ramnath Thakur is a prominent Union Minister.
However, Kishor’s re-entry into politics has been met with mixed reactions from established parties. K.C. Tyagi, JD(U) chief spokesperson, dismissed Jan Suraaj as having little chance in Bihar’s entrenched political environment, arguing that Kishor’s experience in strategy does not necessarily translate into political success. Conversely, the BJP has welcomed Kishor’s return, with spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan noting that Bihar’s political landscape might benefit from new perspectives, especially given recent developmental projects.
The RJD has expressed concerns, labeling Kishor’s approach as a threat to democratic politics, suggesting that his “Bazaar canteen” model may not adequately address the needs of marginalized communities.
Conclusion
Prashant Kishor’s re-entry into the political arena with Jan Suraaj signifies a new chapter in Bihar’s political landscape. By prioritizing proportional representation and introducing a unique leadership selection process, Kishor aims to challenge existing norms and offer a fresh approach to politics. As the launch date approaches, all eyes will be on how Jan Suraaj navigates the complexities of Bihar’s political environment and whether it can bring about meaningful change.
