Prashant Kishor, leader of the Jan Suraaj party, has made headlines with his stark assessment of Bihar, labeling it a “failed state” during a recent virtual address to the Bihari diaspora in the United States. His remarks came after the disappointing performance of his party in the Bihar Assembly bypolls, where candidates failed to secure any seats.
Kishor emphasized the dire socio-economic conditions in Bihar, stating that if it were a country, it would rank as the 11th most populous globally, having recently surpassed Japan. He characterized the state’s situation as one where citizens are consumed by daily survival struggles, which overshadow their aspirations for a better future. Drawing troubling comparisons to failed states like Sudan, he noted that people in Bihar are often more concerned with immediate threats than with long-term planning for their children’s education.
Despite this bleak outlook, Kishor expressed hope for change. He outlined an ambitious vision for transforming Bihar into a middle-income state by 2029-2030, contingent on Jan Suraaj winning the 2025 Assembly elections. A key part of his strategy involves lifting the statewide alcohol ban to generate revenue for educational reforms.
Kishor urged the Bihari diaspora to move beyond mere discussions and take proactive steps to support Bihar’s development. He criticized the lack of tangible outcomes from diaspora engagements, urging them to contribute meaningfully rather than just participate in conversations.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Kishor remains confident about his party’s electoral prospects, asserting that Jan Suraaj will emerge victorious in the upcoming elections based on his electoral insights and understanding of local dynamics.
