Political strategist Prashant Kishor
Credit: PTI Photo
Prior to the Bihar assembly elections, Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) chief Prashant Kishor had said that his party would secure fewer than 10 seats or over 150 seats, along with promises of reshaping the state's political landscape.
As of 2.30 pm on November 14, the day of vote counting, not only has JSP failed to lead in a single seat but is also seen to be falling behind the None of The Above (NOTA) option in several constituencies, officially declaring a disastrous electoral debut for the political strategist's party.
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The JSP contested in 238 of the total 243 constituencies and is lagging behind in all of these seats. However, this comes as little or no surprise at all.
Deccan Herald traversed through the state of Bihar as part of election its election coverage campaign during which it was evident that while Prashant Kishor's name was almost everywhere, it is less likely that the popularity would transfer into votes. One of the primary reasons for this was that while voters felt that Kishor made valid points, he lacked the experience to run a government.
'At this moment, we should say that PK is more famous on social media than on ground. An ordinary Bihari is still very skeptical about him and his party,' Pravesh Mishra, former journalist and a keen observer of Bihar Politics had told DH earlier.
Jan Suraaj Party spokesperson Pavan K Varma on Friday said the party would undertake a "serious review" of its performance in the Bihar Assembly elections after early trends showed Prashant Kishor’s outfit making little impact despite a grassroots campaign.
Speaking to PTI Video, Varma said Jan Suraaj had gone into the polls with “sincerity and conviction” but admitted that it had failed to win voters’ confidence.
"We worked with full sincerity, with the belief that Bihar needs fundamental change. There was no lack of effort. But if we have not won the people’s trust, we will analyse why and reflect on it," he said.
Varma stressed that while the party had faltered at the ballot box, it had succeeded in compelling mainstream parties to acknowledge pressing governance concerns.
"One thing gives us satisfaction that the Jan Suraaj agenda of employment, migration, education and corruption-free Bihar will now be part of every party’s agenda," he said.
On the NDA’s surge, Varma said election outcomes often defy predictions.
With PTI inputs