The political atmosphere in Bihar is heating up as the state assembly elections draw closer. Campaigning is intensifying, alliances are being reshaped, and rival parties are trading accusations daily. Amidst this charged environment, a major setback has hit Prashant Kishor and his party Jan Suraj. Senior leader Amit Vikram has stepped down from the party, sparking new debates in Bihar politics. His resignation is not just a simple exit but also comes with serious allegations against the functioning of the party.
A Shock for Prashant Kishor
The resignation of Amit Vikram has come at a crucial time. He was serving as the state spokesperson of Jan Suraj as well as the convener of the divisional election campaign committee. His decision to quit the party, including all responsibilities and primary membership, has left observers stunned.
According to Vikram, his decision was not sudden. He claims he had been raising concerns for a long time about the interference of a professional team inside the party. He said that this excessive control was demoralizing the grassroots workers and hurting the self-respect of local leaders. Despite informing the party founder Prashant Kishor about these issues, he alleged that no corrective action was taken.
Allegations Against the Professional Team
In his resignation statement, Amit Vikram accused the professional team of Jan Suraj of dominating the party’s internal structure. He claimed that instead of strengthening the real workers and leaders who are committed to change, the professional group was ignoring them.
According to him, the original aim of joining Jan Suraj was to create an alternative against the ruling BJP-JDU alliance, which has been in power in Bihar for nearly two decades. He emphasized that he worked hard to bring young people and intellectuals into the movement. However, he alleged that instead of promoting these voices, the party is now preparing to field candidates with opposite ideologies.
This accusation has struck at the core of Jan Suraj’s political narrative. The party has been projecting itself as a platform of fresh ideas, grassroots leadership, and honest politics. Vikram’s charges question whether that image is being replaced with a top-down structure run by external consultants.
Why Amit Vikram Chose to Resign
After months of dissatisfaction, Amit Vikram finally decided that remaining in Jan Suraj was no longer possible. He said it would be inappropriate to continue when the values of the party were being compromised.
In his statement, Vikram explained that he wanted to fight against the policies of the BJP-JDU government, which has ruled Bihar for twenty years. But, according to him, the professional team inside Jan Suraj was sidelining the real change-makers and instead prioritizing individuals who lacked commitment to the party’s mission.
He also pointed out that he had repeatedly flagged these concerns with Prashant Kishor, but no meaningful step was taken. This inaction forced him to quit immediately, ending his association with Jan Suraj just months before the assembly polls.
The Timing of the Resignation
The timing of this resignation adds to its significance. Bihar is on the verge of another high-stakes election. Political parties are working day and night to strengthen their campaigns, finalize candidates, and consolidate voter bases. In such a scenario, the exit of a senior figure from Jan Suraj is bound to influence internal morale and public perception.
Analysts believe that the departure of Amit Vikram could create confusion among local supporters who trusted his leadership. It also raises questions about the organizational strength of Jan Suraj under the leadership of Prashant Kishor. When a party is preparing for its first real electoral test, such events can prove damaging both inside and outside.
Challenges for Jan Suraj
Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraj party was launched with a vision of reshaping Bihar’s political landscape. Since its formation, Kishor has toured the state, holding meetings, engaging with people, and promising to provide a fresh alternative to traditional politics. Many young leaders and intellectuals joined him in this journey, seeing Jan Suraj as a platform for change.
However, Amit Vikram’s allegations highlight a different picture. If grassroots leaders feel sidelined by a central team of professionals, it could weaken the credibility of the party. A political movement cannot survive only on external expertise; it requires strong local connections.
This crisis may push Kishor to rethink his organizational model. Without addressing these internal issues, it will be difficult for Jan Suraj to position itself as a serious contender in the Bihar elections.
Growing Political Realignment in Bihar
Bihar politics is known for frequent realignments, resignations, and party-hopping, especially before elections. Leaders often switch sides when they feel neglected or when new opportunities appear more promising. With only a short time left for the assembly elections, such developments are expected to intensify.
Amit Vikram’s resignation is part of this broader trend. It reflects the restlessness among political leaders who want to secure their position before the election battle begins. Other parties, including RJD, BJP, JD-U, and Congress, are also witnessing internal conflicts and shifting loyalties.
The state’s political environment remains fluid, where even small moves can have larger impacts. For Jan Suraj, losing a key spokesperson right before the elections is more than a symbolic blow. It challenges the party’s ability to retain loyalty among its workers.
Reaction from Political Circles
While Jan Suraj has not issued a detailed response yet, rival parties have started commenting on the issue. They see it as proof of the weak foundation of Kishor’s movement. Critics argue that if a party cannot manage its internal leaders, how will it handle governance in a state as complex as Bihar.
Supporters of Vikram say his resignation highlights the frustration of many leaders who feel suffocated under the dominance of outsiders. They believe his move will encourage others to speak openly about their grievances.
On the other hand, loyalists of Jan Suraj dismiss the exit as an isolated event. They claim that the party remains committed to its mission and will contest the elections with full strength.
Impact on Bihar Assembly Elections
The Bihar assembly elections are crucial for every party, including Jan Suraj. For Kishor, this election is a test of his ability to convert his political strategies into real electoral success. His reputation as a successful strategist in national politics is well known, but building a new party from scratch is a different challenge.
The exit of Amit Vikram may not drastically reduce the party’s vote base, but it sends a message of internal disunity. For voters, perception often matters as much as numbers. If people believe that Jan Suraj is struggling internally, they may hesitate to view it as a strong alternative.
The opposition parties are likely to use this incident as a talking point during campaigns. They will portray Jan Suraj as a party unable to keep its own house in order. This could harm its prospects, especially among undecided voters.
Future Path for Amit Vikram
As for Amit Vikram, his next steps will be closely watched. Politicians rarely resign without a plan. There is speculation about whether he will join another party or contest as an independent candidate. His influence as a spokesperson and campaign convener has given him recognition in certain regions of Bihar.
If he joins another established party, it could strengthen their base in those areas. On the other hand, if he decides to remain independent, he may still play a role by influencing young voters and intellectual circles. His political journey after this resignation will determine how much impact he continues to have.
The resignation of Amit Vikram from Jan Suraj is a significant development in Bihar politics. It exposes tensions within the party and questions the leadership style of Prashant Kishor. Coming just before the assembly elections, this exit may disrupt the party’s plans and affect its credibility.
Gold and silver rates may change daily, but in politics, such resignations change the entire atmosphere. Bihar’s voters will closely watch how Jan Suraj responds to this challenge and whether it can present a united face before the elections. For now, the setback remains a reminder that building a new political force requires not only vision but also the ability to manage aspirations within the team.
