Prashant Kishor Opts Out of Bihar Polls, Jan Suraaj Fields Local Candidate Against Tejashwi

In a significant political development ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has confirmed that he will not contest the polls. The decision, taken collectively by his party, marks a strategic shift in its campaign approach as Bihar gears up for voting on November 6 and 11, with results scheduled for November 14.

Kishor stated that the move aims to strengthen the organisation’s grassroots network rather than focus on individual ambitions. Contrary to earlier speculation that he would take on RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav in Raghopur, the Jan Suraaj Party has chosen local businessman Chanchal Singh as its candidate from the high-profile constituency.

The announcement reshapes the political narrative in Raghopur, where many had expected a direct Kishor–Tejashwi face-off. Political observers suggest that by stepping aside, Kishor intends to present himself as a long-term political strategist rather than a candidate seeking immediate power.

The Jan Suraaj Party has so far released three lists of candidates and is positioning itself as a serious challenger to both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc. Kishor has repeatedly emphasised that the party’s goal is to transform Bihar’s political and governance model, focusing on development and public participation.

While many political analysts view the decision as risky, party insiders claim it allows Kishor to oversee state-wide campaign operations and coordinate better with candidates across 243 constituencies. The Jan Suraaj Party’s leadership believes this organisational focus could deliver a strong performance, particularly among younger voters and first-time participants disillusioned with traditional parties.

The Bihar elections are expected to be one of the most closely watched state polls this year, as alliances realign and new entrants like Kishor’s party test their strength. His decision not to contest may alter the dynamics of the campaign but reinforces his image as a strategist prioritising party-building over personal contest.

As Bihar heads into the election season, all eyes will be on whether Kishor’s experiment with Jan Suraaj can translate his grassroots movement into meaningful electoral success  or whether established forces like the NDA and RJD will continue to dominate the state’s political landscape.