From Bihar Navnirman Sankalp Yatra to Rs 1,000 donation: Prashant Kishor shares plans for Jan Suraaj party

Prashant Kishor

Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor on Friday pledged to donate 90% of his personal income over the next five years to support his political organisation's outreach and campaign efforts. The announcement comes shortly after his party failed to secure a single seat in its first Bihar assembly election.

Speaking to reporters in West Champaran following a day-long silent fast at the Gandhi Ashram, Kishor sharply criticised the new state government and the composition of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s cabinet. “The new cabinet of Nitish Kumar, which took oath on Thursday, is full of corrupts and criminals. I must say that this council of ministers is a slap in the face of the people of Bihar. It's like rubbing salt on the wound as several corrupt leaders were inducted,” he said.

He went on to allege that the ruling coalition prioritised power over integrity. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and CM Kumar are least concerned about Bihar,” he claimed.

Kishor also accused the government of using public money to influence voters during the election. “They have purchased votes by transferring Rs 10,000 into the bank account of more than 1 crore women. Now, they have no concern for the state or the people,” he said. He added, “If I am saying anything wrong, the state government can put me behind bars.”

According to him, funds meant for a World Bank project and the state’s contingency reserve were redirected for the transfer scheme. Kishor vowed that Jan Suraaj would push for the fulfilment of the NDA’s poll promise to women. “Now, we will ensure that women get Rs 2 lakh as promised by the NDA ahead of the polls,” he said.

Kishor announced that the party will begin its “Bihar Navnirman Sankalp Yatra” from January 15, aiming to reach every household in the state over the next 15–18 months. “We will visit all houses in the state over 15-18 months and create awareness among the people about the misdeeds of this government. The organisation of the Jan Suraaj Party will be strengthened before the campaign starts,” he said.

Reaffirming his personal commitment, Kishor declared that his assets accumulated over two decades, except his residence in Delhi, will be handed over to the party. “Besides, whatever assets I have acquired in the last 20 years, except my Delhi house, I will donate those for the party,” he said.

He urged supporters to take ownership of the movement. “Now, I request the people of Bihar to donate just Rs 1,000 to the party on a yearly basis. I will not meet anyone who doesn't donate this amount to the party,” he said.

Ending his address with a message of resolve, Kishor said, “We will change the government. They tried to break our morale in this election. We will fight and win.”