Nalanda witnessed a sharp political attack on Sunday when Jan Suraj founder Prashant Kishor criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government. Speaking at the Bihar Badlav Sabha in Rajgir’s PTJM College ground, Kishor said that while roads and electricity have improved, corruption, unemployment, migration, and the failure of prohibition remain serious concerns. He appealed to the people of Nalanda to look beyond basic infrastructure and demand a new governance system.
Roads and Power Cannot Hide Deeper Problems
Prashant Kishor argued that Nitish Kumar’s home district should not be viewed through the lens of basic facilities alone. He said that while roads and power supply might look better, the ground reality remains similar to other districts in Bihar. Corruption continues to thrive, liquor is sold despite prohibition, and the education and employment scenario is still weak.
According to Kishor, Nitish Kumar has done whatever he could in the last two decades. However, he claimed that the Chief Minister is now physically and mentally exhausted. Bihar, he said, requires a new system that guarantees education for children and employment for youth.
“Nitish Kumar is Tired, Bihar Needs Change”
Addressing the massive gathering, Kishor declared that Bihar needs to move beyond Nitish Kumar’s model. He said that Nitish has served the state for 20 years, but now Bihar needs new leadership and vision. A system driven by accountability, development, and transparency is the need of the hour.
Kishor emphasized that Jan Suraj aims to bring such change. His pitch to the people of Nalanda was clear: if progress is desired, then a shift from traditional politics is necessary.
Attack on Tejashwi Yadav
Prashant Kishor also targeted RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav during his speech. Referring to a recent controversy in which Tejashwi allegedly threw a pen, Kishor said it showed his character. According to him, Bihar’s youth treat the pen as sacred, yet Tejashwi disrespected it.
He went further to ridicule Tejashwi, claiming that this is why he failed in ninth grade and would never clear his tenth. Kishor said that people of Bihar will teach him a lesson this time, as they are tired of family-based politics.
Youth and Employment as Central Issues
Kishor stressed that the ongoing disputes within the Lalu family are irrelevant for the people. He argued that the real issues for Bihar’s youth are education, jobs, and the prevention of mass migration.
He urged the audience to focus on these core issues rather than being distracted by political drama. According to Kishor, young people leave Bihar in search of better opportunities, which reflects the government’s failure to create employment within the state.
Call to Reject Traditional Politics
Kishor appealed to the people not to allow the lantern, the RJD’s election symbol, to light again. He said that Bihar must reject leaders who have failed to deliver real progress. Instead, people should support movements that focus on systemic reform and empowerment.
He also reminded people that Nitish Kumar’s government has not lived up to the promises of prohibition. Despite the ban, liquor continues to flow across districts, with corruption thriving at police stations and panchayats.
Nalanda as a Symbolic Battleground
The choice of Nalanda as the venue was significant. It is Nitish Kumar’s home district and has long been seen as his political stronghold. By raising critical issues in this region, Kishor sought to challenge the government at its very base.
He argued that even in Nitish’s own district, youth face the same problems as elsewhere. Migration continues, jobs remain scarce, and schools struggle with poor infrastructure. For Kishor, this was evidence that Bihar needs more than cosmetic improvements in roads and electricity.
Jan Suraj’s Broader Message
Through his Bihar Badlav Sabha, Kishor is attempting to build a narrative around systemic change. He believes that Bihar cannot progress with tired leadership and outdated politics. Instead, new ideas, new leaders, and a new governance model are required.
Jan Suraj emphasizes education, jobs, and accountability. Kishor said that his movement is about creating a structure where corruption is minimized and opportunities are expanded. He appealed to the people of Nalanda to become the torchbearers of this change.
Criticism of Prohibition Policy
One of the central points of Kishor’s attack was the government’s prohibition policy. Nitish Kumar had imposed liquor ban with the aim of creating a healthier society. However, according to Kishor, the policy has failed. Liquor is still sold openly, and corruption in enforcement is rampant.
He said that the failure of prohibition reflects weak governance. Instead of reducing crime and health problems, it has created an underground economy and empowered corrupt officials. Kishor’s remarks were received with strong applause from the audience.
Corruption and Governance
Kishor did not stop at prohibition. He spoke about corruption at every level of administration, from panchayats to police stations. According to him, ordinary citizens have to pay bribes for basic services.
He argued that this corruption undermines trust in government institutions. Bihar cannot progress unless corruption is tackled head-on, he said.
Political Significance of the Speech
The speech in Nalanda was politically significant as it brought Kishor face-to-face with Nitish Kumar’s legacy. Nitish has ruled Bihar for two decades, and his governance model has been both praised and criticized. Kishor’s remarks directly questioned whether Nitish’s leadership is still effective.
By highlighting issues of unemployment, migration, and corruption, Kishor positioned himself as a challenger who speaks for Bihar’s youth. His remarks on Tejashwi Yadav also suggested that Jan Suraj aims to challenge both major political camps in Bihar.
A Youth-Centered Campaign
Kishor’s repeated focus on education and jobs reflects his strategy to connect with young voters. Bihar has one of the largest youth populations in India, and unemployment remains a burning issue.
By framing his campaign around youth aspirations, Kishor is positioning Jan Suraj as a people’s movement rather than a traditional party. His slogan of change is designed to attract those who feel left out of Bihar’s development story.
The Nalanda rally marked an important moment in Bihar’s political calendar. Prashant Kishor used the stage to attack Nitish Kumar’s government, question the effectiveness of prohibition, and highlight unemployment and migration. He also targeted Tejashwi Yadav, portraying him as unfit for leadership.
Through his speech, Kishor urged the people of Nalanda to rise above basic facilities and demand real change. His appeal was to reject corruption, failed policies, and family politics in favor of a system that guarantees education, jobs, and dignity.
Whether Jan Suraj can translate this rhetoric into political strength remains to be seen. But by challenging Nitish Kumar in his own district, Kishor has sent a strong message that Bihar’s politics is entering a new phase.
