'Will quit if JDU fulfills 2 lakhs promise': Prashant Kishor
What's the story
Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor has accepted full responsibility for his party's dismal performance in the recent Bihar polls. He, however, clarified that he would not be quitting, alluding to his pre-poll remark where he said he would quit politics if the Janata Dal (United) won more than 25 seats. Nonetheless, Kishor made another similar vow: to retire from politics if the government gives ₹2 lakh each to 1.5 crore people as "promised before polls."
Prediction fallout
Kishor's pre-election prediction and its aftermath
The JD(U) exceeded expectations, winning 85 seats, while the Jan Suraaj Party couldn't open its account. Speaking to the media, he said, "There must have been some mistake in our efforts... If the public did not show faith in us, then the responsibility for that is completely mine." When asked about his political future, Kishor said he doesn't hold any position to resign from but clarified that he does not engage in traditional politics, focusing instead on amplifying people's voices.
Atonement vow
Kishor's vow and atonement for electoral defeat
Despite the electoral defeat, Kishor vowed to work harder for Bihar. He said, "There's no question of backing down. There's no turning back until I fulfill my resolve to make Bihar better." As a form of atonement for his party's failure, he announced a day-long silent fast on November 20. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won the elections with 202 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan secured 35 seats.
Party response
Kishor's party and BJP MP's response to his defeat
Before the election, Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party had promised a new model of politics focused on governance and jobs. However, it lost deposits in most constituencies. Reacting to Kishor's defeat, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Sanjay Jaiswal said he should apologize for starting his political career with lies. Jaiswal said, "He was retiring from politics, even if JDU wins 25 seats, he was retiring from politics, even if Nitish Kumar becomes the Chief Minister."