Prashant Kishor Launches Jan Suraaj Party with Promises of Democratic Reforms

Prashant Kishor, the prominent political strategist, officially launched the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) on October 2, 2024, aligning the event with Gandhi Jayanti. The inauguration took place at the Veterinary College grounds in Patna, Bihar, amidst a gathering of supporters.

Kishor, who transitioned from a poll strategist to a political leader, utilized the occasion to outline ambitious policies aimed at enhancing democratic processes and governance. The newly established party’s flag prominently features the images of Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, reflecting a commitment to their enduring legacies.

One of the key reforms proposed by the Jan Suraaj Party is the implementation of a ‘right to recall,’ a mechanism allowing voters to remove elected representatives who fail to meet public expectations. This feature, Kishor claims, is unprecedented in Indian political outfits.

“Right to recall means that the public gives the ticket, and the candidate has two years. If they resort to corruption or misconduct, people have the right to decide their future,” stated Kishor during the launch.

The party’s constitution also envisions a more participatory election process, drawing parallels to the U.S. primary system. Kishor explained, “Candidates will be chosen by public preference, akin to the presidential elections in the United States, rather than by party leaders.”

Manoj Bharti, an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and a former Indian ambassador, was appointed as the first working president of Jan Suraaj. With roots in Bihar’s Madhubani district, Bharti represents the party’s focus on data-driven and equitable governance.

Kishor expressed his intention to contest in the upcoming Bihar by-elections and emphasized his party’s resolve to provide a viable alternative to the existing political entities. “We aim for a system where individuals from across India will seek opportunities in Bihar,” he remarked.

The JSP is set to finalize its candidate lists through a rigorous selection process involving community verification of potential candidates’ backgrounds. This is part of the party’s objective to base selections on merit rather than financial or caste affiliations.

Additionally, Kishor announced the party’s educational and economic strategies, which include ending the state’s prohibition to reallocate funds towards improving education. “Bihar needs a robust educational system,” he stated, envisaging an infusion of capital to address this requirement.

Prashant Kishor continues his commitment to conduct padayatras—foot marches—across the state, a practice he began in 2022 to connect with the populace and understand their issues firsthand.