Poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has issued a new challenge to the Nitish Kumar-led JDU government after his Jan Suraaj Party suffered a major defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections.

Kishor Takes Responsibility

Kishor made his first comments after the setback. He accepted full responsibility for the party’s poor performance. He also admitted that his organisation failed to bring political change in Bihar.

Fresh Challenge to Nitish Kumar

Kishor then renewed his attack on Nitish Kumar. He said he would leave politics if the chief minister fulfilled his promise of giving ₹2 lakh each to 1.5 crore women in the state.

He said, "People are talking a lot about my remark on JD(U) winning 25 seats - I still stand by it. If Nitish Kumar transfers the ₹2 lakh he promised to 1.5 crore women and proves he didn’t win by buying votes, I will definitely quit politics without any ifs and buts."

Kishor referred to his earlier claim before the election, when he reportedly said he would retire if JD(U) crossed 25 seats.

Allegations of Vote Buying

Kishor repeated his allegation that JDU secured its victory by paying voters. He claimed the party gave ₹10,000 to more than 60,000 people in each constituency.

He said, "Between Nitish Kumar and his victory, there is only one thing -- buying of 60,000 votes in each assembly constituency at ₹10,000. It should be made clear whether it was a vote purchase or part of a self-employment programme."

Jan Suraaj Fails, NDA Scores Big

Kishor’s prediction proved wrong. JDU won 85 of the 101 seats it contested. Its ally BJP won 89 seats. In contrast, Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party contested all 243 seats but failed to win even one.

Kishor called the result a setback but stayed firm. He said the party would learn from its mistakes and rebuild.

He said, "We received a setback, but we will rectify the mistakes, build ourselves and come back stronger... there is no going back for us."

Bihar Election Result

Bihar voted in two phases. Results came out on November 14. The NDA achieved a decisive victory and will form the government on November 20.