Patna: Jan Suraaj leader Prashant Kishor on Monday urged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to replace Samrat Choudhary and appoint a “capable” person as Bihar’s Chief Minister, claiming that the Bankipur by-election verdict reflected public dissatisfaction with the state’s leadership.
Addressing the media in Patna after his victory in the Bankipur by-election, Kishor said the election was not merely about choosing an MLA but about sending a message to the BJP’s central leadership regarding Bihar’s future.
‘People Want Capable Leadership’
Kishor said the electorate had already given the BJP a substantial mandate in the Assembly and now expected the party to ensure capable leadership in the state.
“The people have elected 202 of your MLAs. Do not hand over Bihar’s leadership to a criminal or a person with a questionable public image. Appoint a capable Chief Minister who can improve education, create employment and prevent migration,” he said.
He thanked those who voted for Jan Suraaj and said the party would continue working to earn the trust of those who did not support it.
Focus On Employment And Migration
Kishor said his party’s objective was not to secure legislative positions for political gain but to work towards Bihar’s development.
He urged the Union government to give Bihar the same attention it gives Gujarat, arguing that greater efforts were needed to generate employment and reduce migration from the state.
“It is the responsibility of the BJP leadership to appoint a Chief Minister who can improve education, generate employment, curb corruption and address migration,” he said.
Criticism Of Samrat Choudhary
Kishor also launched a direct attack on Samrat Choudhary, alleging that Bihar could not progress under his leadership.
Referring to Choudhary’s public image, Kishor said the BJP should appoint a leader capable of addressing the challenges faced by Bihar’s people. He added that while becoming an MLA would not transform Bankipur overnight, residents would begin to see improvements within the next few months.
He maintained that the by-election had been fought on the broader issue of Bihar’s leadership rather than local civic concerns.
BJP Responds
Reacting to Kishor’s victory, Bihar minister Pramod Kumar Chandravanshi alleged that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Jan Suraaj had entered into a “secret alliance” during the by-election.
He accused RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav of failing to support the party’s candidate, Rekha Gupta, and claimed she had been left to bear the burden of the campaign.
“We respect the public mandate. We are neither arrogant in victory nor disruptive in defeat. We will review the reasons behind our defeat because mistakes can happen,” Chandravanshi said.
BJP To Review Defeat
The minister said the BJP was surprised by the result but had become concerned after witnessing low voter turnout, which he said stood at around 34 per cent.
Describing Bankipur as a BJP stronghold, Chandravanshi said the party would examine why many of its supporters did not vote.
He also alleged that Tejashwi Yadav had not adequately supported Rekha Gupta because she belonged to the Extremely Backward Class (EBC), a claim for which he did not provide evidence.
Denies ‘Dogs And Cats’ Remark
Responding to controversy over an alleged “dogs and cats” remark, Chandravanshi denied that any BJP leader had made such a statement.
He challenged critics to produce evidence and claimed it was Jan Suraaj leaders who had used the expression for their own party workers.
Commenting on the defeat of BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar, Chandravanshi said the party had fielded a dedicated worker and would continue to do so in future elections. He reiterated that the BJP respected the electorate’s verdict, describing electoral victories and defeats as part of the democratic process.
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