Prashant Kishor has taken full responsibility for the disappointing defeat of his party, Jan Suraj Party, in the Bihar Assembly elections. He has challenged the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government and set a six-month deadline, declaring that he would retire from politics if the government fulfills its promises.
On November 18, 2025, Prashant Kishor, the face behind the Jan Suraj Party, made his first public appearance after the party’s dismal performance in the Bihar elections. During a press conference in Patna, Kishor took full responsibility for his party’s inability to secure even a single seat in the state assembly. He admitted that despite his efforts, the party had failed to win the trust of the people of Bihar.
Prashant Kishor: ‘I Will Not Leave Bihar’
Kishor clarified that he would not be leaving Bihar or his mission anytime soon. He affirmed that he would continue to work tirelessly for the welfare of the people, traveling from village to village to raise awareness. However, acknowledging his party’s defeat, he stated that he would observe a day of silent fasting on November 20 at his Gandhi Ashram as a form of atonement.
While speaking to the media, Kishor also ruled out the possibility of quitting politics immediately. He expressed his determination to continue his political journey, but he laid out a clear condition: if the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government fails to fulfill its promises within the next six months, he would retire from politics.
The Responsibility of Defeat and Lessons Learned
Prashant Kishor emphasized that the Jan Suraj Party’s poor performance in the 2025 Bihar elections was entirely his responsibility. He stated that three and a half years ago, when he formed the party, he had envisioned bringing about a change in the system and governance. Despite his honest efforts, he admitted that he had not achieved the desired outcome, either in terms of systemic or power change. Kishor acknowledged that his party had failed to win over the trust of the public and that he must have made mistakes along the way.
Kishor’s honest assessment of his party’s failure stood in stark contrast to the extravagant promises made by the NDA government prior to the elections. He pointed out that just before the polls, the Nitish Kumar government had announced a series of schemes worth ₹40,000 crore, including the Self-Employment Scheme, which promised to deposit ₹10,000 into the accounts of 1.5 crore women. Furthermore, the government had pledged to provide an additional ₹2 lakh to each family within the next six months.
A Bold Challenge to the NDA Government
Prashant Kishor did not hesitate to challenge the NDA government on these promises. He asked the Nitish Kumar-led government to deliver on their commitment. According to Kishor, if the government is able to provide the promised ₹2 lakh to each family in Bihar, he would retire from politics.
However, Kishor was also clear about what would happen if the government failed to fulfill its pledge. He remarked that if the NDA government did not deliver the promised amount, it would be evident that the ₹10,000 disbursed to women during the elections was nothing but an attempt to buy votes.
Kishor’s statement added fuel to the ongoing political debate in Bihar about the credibility of the NDA government’s pre-election promises. His challenge to the ruling party has further intensified the discourse around the government’s performance, especially regarding its ability to address the economic challenges faced by the people of Bihar.
Political Future: Will the NDA Government Live Up to Its Promises?
The Jan Suraj Party’s loss in the 2025 Bihar elections has raised questions about the future of Prashant Kishor’s political career. Despite the setback, Kishor remains resolute in his belief that Bihar needs systemic change. He has not ruled out future political involvement, but his immediate challenge to the NDA government has put the spotlight on the administration’s ability to fulfill its promises.
Kishor’s statement is also a clear indication of the political rivalry between his party and the NDA. By setting a six-month deadline for the government, Kishor is forcing the NDA to prove its credibility and political maturity. His remarks have already sparked discussions in political circles, with many speculating about the potential outcomes of this challenge.
A Growing Discontent with the NDA’s Governance
There has been growing discontent among the people of Bihar regarding the state of governance under the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government. The promises made by the government in the run-up to the 2025 elections, particularly the self-employment scheme and financial assistance to families, were seen as desperate attempts to secure votes. Many political analysts believe that Kishor’s challenge could be a turning point in Bihar’s political landscape.
As Bihar continues to face economic challenges, the people are eagerly watching the actions of the NDA government. Will the government deliver on its promises, or will Prashant Kishor’s bold challenge expose the administration’s inability to address the needs of the state’s most vulnerable populations? Only time will tell.
Prashant Kishor’s public statement has undoubtedly set the stage for a significant political showdown in Bihar. His challenge to the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government is a clear indication that he is not ready to step back from the political arena just yet. With six months to prove the government’s effectiveness, Kishor has laid down a gauntlet that will undoubtedly keep the people of Bihar and political observers on edge. Whether or not the NDA government can live up to its promises remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Bihar’s political landscape will continue to be shaped by this bold challenge.
