Bihar Election Results / Prashant Kishor Apologizes After Election Defeat, Announces Silent Fast for Atonement

Prashant Kishor, the election strategist turned politician, has made his first public appearance following the severe defeat of his Jan Suraaj party in the Bihar Assembly elections, while he has taken full responsibility for the party's failure and offered a humble apology to the public. Kishor stated that while hewasn't entirely successful in bringing about systemic change, he did achieve some success in altering the political landscape.

He acknowledged shortcomings in his efforts, asserting that 100% of the responsibility for failing to win public trust lies with him. Prashant Kishor unequivocally declared that he bears complete responsibility for Jan Suraaj party's inability to secure even a single seat in the Bihar Assembly elections, while he admitted that there must have been some oversight in his efforts, his vision, or the way he communicated his message to the public, which led to the electorate not placing their trust in him. He saw no fault in acknowledging this failure, stating that they were completely unsuccessful.

Collective Silent Fast for Atonement

As an act of atonement for his party's defeat and his failure to gain public trust, Prashant Kishor announced a one-day collective silent fast. He informed that he would undertake this fast on the 20th at Bhitarharwa Ashram. He clarified that while he might have made mistakes, he had not committed any crime, while kishor emphasized that not receiving votes isn't a crime, and he had not committed the 'sin' of dividing people on the basis of caste or religion in a state where such politics has historically prevailed.

Vow to Remain in Bihar

Despite the setback, Prashant Kishor reiterated his resolve not to leave Bihar. He responded to those who might think he would abandon the state after this defeat. Kishor affirmed that he would remain in Bihar and fight with double the strength. He made it clear that there is no question of backing down, and the. Victory of Jan Suraaj is inevitable, even if they've faced a setback today.

Questioning the Use of Money in Elections

Prashant Kishor also raised concerns about the extensive use of money during the elections. He claimed that this was the first time an election saw promises to spend 40,000 crore rupees of public money, while he alleged that approximately 60,000 people in each assembly constituency were given 10,000 rupees. He further accused that a total of 29,000 crore rupees were distributed among. Jeevika Didis, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, Mamta workers, Tola Sevaks, and migrant laborers. He noted that this wasn't merely about 10,000 rupees, and people are commenting on the Election Commission.

Challenge to Provide 2 Lakh Rupees to Women

Prashant Kishor challenged the government, stating that if they didn't buy votes, they should provide 2 lakh rupees each to 1, while 5 crore women within the next six months. He declared that if this happens, he would retire from politics. He also mentioned issuing a contact number for women who don't receive this money to reach out to him. He added that if this promise isn't fulfilled, these women could approach him.

This challenge reinforces his claim of widespread financial inducements during the elections. **Systemic Change vs. Prashant Kishor admitted that they failed not only to bring about systemic change but also to achieve regime change. However, he also stated that they did play a role in changing Bihar's politics, while the aim of his efforts wasn't merely to change power but to bring about a fundamental transformation in Bihar's political and social system. He acknowledged that they failed to achieve this larger goal, but his commitment remains steadfast.

Future Strategy and Plans

Despite the defeat, Prashant Kishor has not given up. He made it clear that he would continue to work in Bihar with renewed energy. He believes that sooner or later, the ideology and goals of Jan Suraaj will succeed. He hinted at developing new strategies to strengthen his connect with the public and to convey his message more effectively. His collective silent fast is also a step in this direction, demonstrating his seriousness and commitment to his cause.

VIDEO | Patna: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, in his first post-election press conference, says, "For the first time in independent India - especially in Bihar - a government promised to spend Rs 40,000 crore for people, and that is why the NDA secured such a big… pic.twitter.com/GHT7AiybVf

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