Take all blame for loss; won’t quit politics: Prashant Kishor reacts to Bihar elections 2025

Prashant Kishor. Pic/PTI

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Tuesday took full responsibility for his party's poor performance in the Bihar elections 2025, saying he had failed to win the confidence of voters. Speaking at his first press conference after the results, Kishor admitted the defeat was a major setback but asserted he would not leave Bihar or quit politics, reported news agency IANS.

"We came up with a vision to change the electoral discourse of Bihar and create an alternative, but we failed utterly in our efforts. I take complete responsibility for the party's dismal show," he said.

Kishor announced that he and members of Jan Suraaj will observe a one-day fast at the Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram - where the party began its campaign - as an act of "repentance and introspection".

Despite the setback, he said the defeat would not dilute the party's determination to challenge what he described as "corrupt governance" and build a clean political alternative. Rejecting speculation about stepping away from electoral politics, Kishor said: "I will neither quit Bihar nor quit politics. You are not defeated unless you quit the race."

Accuses government of using cash to influence voters

Kishor alleged that the Nitish Kumar government diverted Rs 40,000 crore from the state exchequer to influence voters, claiming that the transfer of Rs 10,000 to 1.5 crore women under the self-employment initiative was a key factor behind Jan Suraaj's poor performance.

He said the JD(U) would have "been reduced to just 25 seats" had the government not disbursed the funds ahead of the polls. Under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, the state gave Rs 10,000 as the first instalment and promised an additional Rs 2 lakh over subsequent instalments, reported PTI.

Kishor congratulated the BJP and the NDA for their victory but urged the newly elected government to fulfill its poll pledge to provide Rs 2 lakh to 1.5 crore women. "People have given the mandate to the NDA. It is now on the shoulders of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar to deliver," he said. He also vowed to quit politics if the government fulfils this commitment within six months.

Calls for national debate on "vote theft"

Kishor alleged that "vote chori" takes place at a pan-India level and urged opposition parties to deliberate on the issue and approach the Supreme Court if necessary.

"To not get votes is not a crime. At least I have not indulged in corruption or divisive politics," he said, adding that Jan Suraaj would work to rebuild itself and "come back stronger".

Election outcome

The NDA secured a sweeping victory, winning 202 seats in the 243-member Bihar Assembly - BJP 89, JD(U) 85, LJP(RV) 19, HAM 5, and RLM 4. Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party, contesting its maiden election, did not win any seats and secured 3.34% of the vote share.

Kishor will observe a day-long fast on November 20 at Bitiharwa in West Champaran, the day the new NDA government is expected to take oath.

(With inputs from IANS and PTI)