Prashant Kishor Accepts Defeat, Challenges Nitish Govt on Cash-for-Votes Allegations

Patna, Bihar — November 18, 2025, 1:16 PM IST, In a dramatic press conference held in Patna following the Bihar Assembly election results, political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor admitted failure in his three-year-long campaign for “vyavastha parivartan” (system change) under the banner of Jan Suraj. Despite securing only 3.34% of the vote share, Kishor declared that his fight for Bihar’s future is far from over.

Key Announcements

Kishor acknowledged that his party failed to win public trust, taking full responsibility for the setback. He announced a one-day fast at Gandhi Ashram on November 20, calling it “prayaschit” (atonement) for not meeting people’s expectations.

Kishor accused the NDA government of distributing nearly ₹9,000 crore before elections, including ₹100 advances to 1.5 crore women with promises of ₹2 lakh for self-employment.

He demanded that the government fulfill its promise of ₹2 lakh support within six months, warning of mass agitation if it fails. Kishor reiterated his earlier vow to quit politics if the promise is delivered.

Urging Nitish Kumar and BJP leadership, Kishor pressed for a corruption-free cabinet, stating that the mandate was for development, not for “daga” (tainted ministers).

Kishor’s Defiant Stand

Quoting the Mahabharata, Kishor likened his struggle to Abhimanyu’s battle in the Chakravyuh, insisting that defeat is temporary unless one quits. “You are not defeated till you quit,” he said, vowing to double his efforts in the coming years.

Public Reaction

The press conference drew significant media attention despite Jan Suraj’s modest electoral performance, signaling Kishor’s continued relevance in Bihar’s political discourse. His sharp focus on corruption, unemployment, and migration resonated with many, even as critics questioned his strategy.

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