JSP became the first political party to release its list, taking an early lead before established alliances like the BJP, JD(U), and RJD, which are still finalizing their seat-sharing talks. (Photo: PTI)
Poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has officially entered the Bihar political battlefield. His party, Jan Suraaj Party (JSP), released its first list of 51 candidates on Thursday, marking its debut in the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025.
The list features a unique mix of professionals — from retired bureaucrats and doctors to lawyers, actors, social activists, and even local public representatives. JSP aims to project itself as a party of “new faces with clean images” while maintaining Bihar’s crucial social balance.
JSP became the first political party to release its list, taking an early lead before established alliances like the BJP, JD(U), and RJD, which are still finalizing their seat-sharing talks.
JSP national president Uday Singh said the party wanted to give voters a fresh choice rooted in merit and inclusivity.
“The JSP list is clean and has given representation to capable people from all sections of society, and the same trend will follow,” Singh said.
He added that 17 seats have been allotted to Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), 11 to Backward Classes (BCs), 8 to minorities, 7 to Scheduled Castes (SCs), and 8 to General Category candidates.
When asked whether Prashant Kishor (PK) would contest, Singh clarified that Kishor’s candidature had not been decided yet. He confirmed that Kishor would launch the JSP’s election campaign on October 11 from Raghopur, the seat currently held by Tejashwi Prasad Yadav of the RJD.
Launching the campaign from Raghopur carries symbolic importance, as Kishor had earlier said he was willing to contest from wherever Tejashwi does.
Formed on October 2, 2024, after Kishor’s two-year-long padayatra, JSP has built a strong grassroots network, claiming over 10.7 million members. The party’s symbol — a school bag — represents education, equality, and opportunity, aligning with its motto, “Sahi Log, Sahi Soch, Sahi Prayas” (Right People, Right Thinking, Collective Effort).
Political observers see Kishor’s move as a serious attempt to disrupt Bihar’s decades-old power dynamics.
“How much impact he can make on Bihar’s electoral landscape with people-centric issues, including unemployment, migration, education, and corruption, will be interesting to watch,” said social analyst N.K. Choudhary.
“He has certainly given enough food for thought to mainstream parties as well as the people after a long time to think beyond the stereotypes,” he added.
