In the political arena of Bihar, Prashant Kishor, leader of the Jan Suraj Party (JSP), recently made an interesting comparison when asked about contesting the upcoming state elections. He likened himself to Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, while drawing a comparison between RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and actor Abhishek Bachchan. This bold statement has sparked discussions on social media and in political circles.
Prashant Kishor’s Unique Comparison
Prashant Kishor, a well-known political strategist, has been quite vocal about his intentions in the upcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. He made headlines with his statement in which he compared himself to Shahrukh Khan, the king of Bollywood, and Tejashwi Yadav to Abhishek Bachchan, the son of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan. Kishor’s comments came during an interview with the digital news channel ‘City Post Live.’ His unique comparison drew parallels between the world of cinema and politics, where he explained his perspective on contesting elections and his political journey.
Kishor has been at the forefront of Bihar’s political scene for quite some time, especially with his advocacy for change in the state. His comparison with Shahrukh Khan wasn’t just about cinema but reflected the journey of overcoming challenges and finding success step by step. Just like Shahrukh Khan’s rise from a television actor to a superstar, Prashant Kishor seems to see himself on a similar trajectory in the political world.
On the other hand, he placed Tejashwi Yadav in the same league as Abhishek Bachchan, suggesting that Tejashwi, much like the Bollywood actor, has a legacy to uphold. However, just as Abhishek Bachchan had to establish his identity in his own right despite being Amitabh Bachchan’s son, Tejashwi, according to Kishor, also faces the challenge of stepping out of his father Lalu Prasad Yadav’s shadow to create his own political legacy.
Prashant Kishor’s Political Stance
Prashant Kishor has been a thorn in the side of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, particularly taking aim at the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and JDU (Janata Dal United). Kishor has also been vocal about his criticisms of Tejashwi Yadav’s educational qualifications. Tejashwi, who is the son of RJD supremo Lalu Yadav, has often defended his educational background by comparing it to the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who didn’t have a formal degree but achieved greatness in his field. Kishor’s comments are also seen as part of his broader strategy to question the RJD leadership and make inroads into the opposition ranks.
Prashant Kishor’s decision to enter the electoral battlefield is not just about contesting the elections but also about questioning the existing political framework in Bihar. His decision to compare himself to Shahrukh Khan can be seen as a reflection of his desire to not just be another player in the political game but to carve out a space for himself, much like how Shahrukh Khan transformed from a television actor to a film industry icon.
The ‘Shahrukh Khan’ Analogy
During the interview, Kishor elaborated on his comparison with Shahrukh Khan. He said that Shahrukh started his career with small roles in television series and gradually made his way into Bollywood. Initially, he took any opportunity that came his way, but as his career progressed, he began choosing more prestigious directors and projects. Shahrukh’s journey from a television actor to being a leading star in films with prominent directors like Yash Chopra and Karan Johar symbolizes a rise in stature and success over time.
Prashant Kishor seemed to draw a parallel between his own journey in politics and Shahrukh’s journey in Bollywood. He mentioned that just as Shahrukh Khan didn’t start with high-profile roles but earned his place in the industry through consistent effort, his own political career is also shaped by continuous effort and hard work. Kishor suggested that like Shahrukh Khan, he too is aiming to establish himself as a prominent political figure, although the path is filled with challenges and obstacles.
The ‘Abhishek Bachchan’ Comparison for Tejashwi Yadav
Prashant Kishor didn’t stop at comparing himself to Shahrukh Khan; he went further by likening Tejashwi Yadav to Abhishek Bachchan. Kishor suggested that Tejashwi, like Abhishek, had inherited a strong political legacy from his father, Lalu Yadav. However, just as Abhishek Bachchan had to prove his own acting skills and carve his own path in Bollywood despite being Amitabh Bachchan’s son, Tejashwi Yadav is also tasked with creating his own identity in Bihar’s political landscape, separate from his father’s influence.
This comparison between Tejashwi and Abhishek Bachchan highlights the ongoing struggle of the younger generation to step out of the shadow of their predecessors. While Lalu Yadav’s influence in Bihar is undeniable, Tejashwi, as the leader of the RJD, has his work cut out for him in establishing his own brand and political identity. The comparison suggests that just like Abhishek had to fight for recognition in Bollywood, Tejashwi must also prove his worth in the political world, despite his prominent family background.
Political Strategy and Leadership
Despite these playful comparisons, Kishor’s statements shed light on his approach to leadership and electoral strategy. He was clear in his response that he could not decide from where he would contest elections. He emphasized that his party, Jan Suraj Party, would make that decision. In contrast to the popular belief that Prashant Kishor is the ultimate decision-maker within his party, he framed his response in a way that suggested a sense of humility and dedication to the collective cause, much like a star working within a larger framework in the entertainment industry.
Kishor’s comparison to Shahrukh Khan also reflected his belief that success in politics, like in Bollywood, is not just about immediate fame or power, but about building relationships, gaining trust, and maintaining consistency over time. He also mentioned that unlike Tejashwi Yadav, who could choose when and where to fight elections, he didn’t have the luxury of such choices. This statement points to the fact that Kishor, unlike established political figures, may have to navigate more challenges to carve out his space in Bihar politics.
Prashant Kishor’s Criticism of NDA Leaders
Apart from these personal comparisons, Prashant Kishor has consistently been critical of the leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), particularly from the BJP and JD(U). He has aimed his criticisms at key figures such as Samrat Chaudhary, Ashok Chaudhary, Mangal Pandey, Dilip Jaiswal, and Sanjay Jaiswal. These leaders, according to Kishor, represent the current political status quo in Bihar, and his political agenda is centered around challenging their influence.
Kishor’s constant critique of Tejashwi’s educational qualifications has also been part of his broader strategy to question the competence of the RJD leadership. His comments about the lack of formal qualifications among prominent figures in other fields, such as cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar, suggest that Kishor believes that leadership qualities are more important than formal degrees. His questioning of the educational background of political leaders has sparked a debate on what qualifies someone to lead, especially in the context of Bihar’s politics.
Prashant Kishor’s political journey and his bold comparisons to Bollywood icons Shahrukh Khan and Abhishek Bachchan are reflective of his approach to politics. Like Shahrukh Khan’s rise in the entertainment industry, Kishor seems to view his journey as one of perseverance, building relationships, and strategically choosing his battles. By drawing a comparison with Tejashwi Yadav and Abhishek Bachchan, Kishor not only comments on the political landscape of Bihar but also challenges the notion of legacy politics.
His remarks bring an element of light-heartedness to the otherwise serious field of politics but also underscore the challenges of stepping into the political arena with a legacy, whether it be in Bollywood or in Bihar’s political system. As the election season approaches, the dynamics between Kishor, Tejashwi Yadav, and other key political figures in Bihar will play out, with Kishor positioning himself as a formidable force in the battle for Bihar’s future.
