In the heart of Bihar’s Siwan district, in a block called Mairwan, political strategist-turned-leader Prashant Kishor recently addressed a massive crowd. But this wasn’t a typical political speech. It wasn’t about caste arithmetic or lofty promises. It was a wake-up call—a challenge to Bihar’s entrenched political structure and, more importantly, a call for real, grassroots-driven change.
Once the mastermind behind some of India’s most successful election campaigns, Kishor is now focused on his home state through the Jan Suraaj (People’s Good Governance) movement. His approach stands apart. Instead of helicopter campaigning, he is walking from village to village, staying in people’s homes, and engaging in direct conversations. In Mairwan, as elsewhere, he listens—genuinely—to people’s concerns. This deeply personal, ground-level outreach lends authenticity and power to his message.
What makes Kishor’s campaign particularly striking is his open criticism of the entire political establishment. He questions why, after decades of governance, basic infrastructure—schools, hospitals, roads—is still lacking in much of rural Bihar. Not blaming one party, but holding all past governments accountable, he rejects the idea that elections should be fought purely on identity politics or power equations. This blunt, anti-establishment tone is resonating—especially with the youth, who are disillusioned by broken promises and lack of meaningful development.
Jan Suraaj is more than an election campaign; it is a social movement. Kishor speaks about governance—not just in slogans, but in practical terms. He focuses on education, healthcare, employment, and law and order, urging citizens to vote based on development and performance, not caste or loyalty. His message is clear: “If politics doesn’t change, society can’t improve.”
Bihar’s political culture has long been driven by caste-based mobilization and identity politics. Jan Suraaj offers a serious challenge to that model. By emphasizing transparency, grassroots participation, and issue-based politics, Kishor is attempting to shift the conversation. It’s not about charisma or cults of personality, but about collective problem-solving and public accountability.
Mairwan’s rally may seem like just another stop on Kishor’s state-wide journey, but symbolically, it holds deeper meaning. It signals a shift in how political engagement is evolving. People aren’t just listening—they’re participating, questioning, and seeking answers. And that, in itself, is a powerful step toward change.
Of course, the road ahead is far from easy. Changing deeply entrenched systems will invite resistance—from political rivals, institutional inertia, and even within communities accustomed to status quo politics. But the very fact that thousands gathered in a rural region like Mairwan to hear about governance instead of caste calculus suggests that something is stirring.
In simple terms, what Prashant Kishor is attempting in Bihar transcends traditional politics. It’s a call for civic awakening—a movement that invites every citizen to become part of the solution. If this message takes root, Bihar may finally begin to break the cycle of poor governance and usher in a new political culture—one that listens, acts, and truly belongs to the people.
Shreya Gupta is a trainee journalist at Cult Current. The views expressed in the article are
her ownand do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Cult Current