Prashant Kishor calls Bihar a “failed state," urges Bihari diaspora to contribute
Washington: Jan Suraaj leader Prashant Kishor described Bihar as a "failed state" during a virtual interaction with the Bihari diaspora in the United States. He emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to address the state's developmental challenges.
Speaking at the launch of the US chapter of Jan Suraaj, Kishor expressed confidence in his party's ability to secure victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. He pledged to lift the prohibition on alcohol and use the resulting revenue to improve school education.
Highlighting the grim situation in Bihar, Kishor remarked, "If Bihar were a country, it would rank as the 11th largest globally by population. The state is in deep crisis and requires sustained commitment for at least five to six years to achieve meaningful change."
Kishor also pointed out societal despair as a significant obstacle to progress. "When people lose hope, immediate survival overshadows all other concerns," he said. However, he expressed optimism, citing the groundwork laid by Jan Suraaj over the past two and a half years.
Acknowledging the long road ahead, Kishor stated, "Even with a government in place by 2025 and consistent efforts, transforming Bihar into a middle-income state by 2029-30 would be a significant achievement."
Addressing the diaspora, Kishor criticised their limited contribution to Bihar's development, urging them to mobilise support for Jan Suraaj. "I have not seen tangible efforts on the ground beyond discussions. It’s time to act," he said.
Despite Jan Suraaj's recent setbacks in the Bihar bypolls, Kishor maintained confidence in his party’s prospects, reiterating his commitment to prioritising education and long-term development strategies.
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BJP central leadership backs Kerala chief Surendran amid Palakkad bypoll loss
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The national leadership of the BJP on Monday threw its weight behind the Kerala state unit and its chief K Surendran despite a major vote loss in the Palakkad Assembly bypoll, asserting that the party had put up a "good fight" in the recently concluded election.
Rejecting reports that Surendran had expressed a willingness to quit taking moral responsibility for the defeat in Palakkad, considered one of its strongholds in Kerala, the BJP accused the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF of "spreading rumours."
"Nobody is resigning neither party has sought anybody's resignation. I think this will settle the matter," senior BJP leader and party's in-charge Kerala, Prakash Javadekar, said in a post on 'X'.
Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil won the Palakkad seat with a margin of over 18,000 votes, even making inroads into BJP stronghold areas, delivering a shock to the saffron party, which had been hoping to win the seat after finishing second in the past few elections.
Adding to the BJP's woes, the Left improved its performance in the seat, narrowing the gap with the party.
"BJP has given a good fight in recently concluded by-elections in Kerala and got a massive mandate in Maharashtra. We will win Palakkad and many more assembly seats in 2026. We are here to make a difference in Kerala politics. People are looking up to BJP," Javadekar said.
The senior leader claimed that more than 15,00,000 voters have become voluntarily members of the BJP, by giving missed call and full information.
"Our membership drive will continue vigorously," Javadekar said.
His statement came amidst reports that the defeat had triggered widespread dissent within the Kerala BJP against Surendran.
Surendran's critics within the party allege that he unilaterally decided to field C Krishnakumar, his preferred candidate, for the Palakkad seat.
Before the candidate's announcement, some senior leaders had publicly advocated for the firebrand party leader Sobha Surendran.
In protest against Krishnakumar's candidature, BJP's popular television face Sandeep G Varier resigned and joined the Congress just ahead of the by-poll, delivering a significant blow to the saffron camp.
In the by-poll, BJP's Krishnakumar secured 39,549 votes (28.63 per cent), while Congress candidate Mamkootathil won with 58,389 votes (42.27 per cent). CPI(M)-backed P Sarin garnered 37,293 votes (27 per cent).
Surendran sought to downplay the setback, stating it is common for the BJP to see reduced votes in Kerala by-elections.
He claimed that many votes for the BJP candidate "Metro Man" E Sreedharan during the 2021 Assembly polls were apolitical, with cross-party support. However, he admitted, "In Palakkad, there was a decrease in the number of votes. We will introspect on it."
