Patna: Jan Suraaj is facing another political setback ahead of the Bankipur by-election, with filmmaker and entrepreneur Chetna Jhamb set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday. The development comes amid the appearance of posters in Patna targeting Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor and a day after senior party leader Prof. KC Sinha switched to the BJP.
The poster, featuring Prashant Kishor wearing a cap and a gamchha, reads: “KC Sinha is merely a trailer; the forfeiture of the security deposit is yet to happen. He wants notes, not votes.” It carries the credit line, “Courtesy: People of Bankipur.” The posters have sparked discussion in political circles, though their origin remains unverified.
Chetna Jhamb To Join BJP
Chetna Jhamb, a filmmaker and businesswoman, is expected to formally join the BJP on Thursday in the presence of Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi.
Jhamb had joined Jan Suraaj on August 1, 2025. After not receiving a party ticket for the Bihar Assembly elections, she contested the Samastipur seat as an independent candidate.
She is known for her entrepreneurial journey, having started her career at a call centre with a monthly salary of Rs 3,000 before working as an air hostess. She later entered the film industry as an actor and producer and established a manufacturing business in China.
Prof. KC Sinha Among Leaders Who Switched Sides
The latest development follows the BJP’s induction of Prof. KC Sinha on Wednesday. Sinha, who was associated with Jan Suraaj from its early organisational campaign, joined the BJP in the presence of State General Secretary Sanjay Saraogi.
Former Jan Suraaj leaders Bittu Singh, who contested from Digha, and Gopal Singh, the party’s former Maner candidate, also joined the BJP along with several party workers.
Welcoming the new entrants, Saraogi said they had joined the BJP after being influenced by the party’s policies and expressed confidence that they would strengthen the organisation.
Leaders Criticise Prashant Kishor
After joining the BJP, Gopal Singh criticised Prashant Kishor’s leadership, alleging that “an arrogant person cannot run an organisation” and claiming that Kishor lacked vision.
Bittu Singh also criticised Jan Suraaj’s organisational structure. He alleged that individuals presented as party workers demanded Rs 1,000 per day each to campaign, claiming they were “paid workers” rather than volunteers. Jan Suraaj has not publicly responded to these allegations.
Bittu Singh also said he intended to remain with the BJP permanently.
KC Sinha’s Association With Jan Suraaj
Born on December 29, 1954, in Bhojpur, Prof. KC Sinha is a noted mathematics scholar. He served as Principal at Patna University before becoming Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda Open University.
He played an active role in Jan Suraaj’s organisational campaign and worked closely with Prashant Kishor during the party’s public outreach initiatives.
Contested 2025 Bihar Assembly Election
Prof. KC Sinha contested the 2025 Bihar Assembly election from the Kumhrar Assembly constituency on a Jan Suraaj ticket.
He finished third in the contest with 15,017 votes. BJP candidate Sanjay Kumar won the seat, while Congress candidate Indradeep Chandravanshi secured the second position.
The latest defections and the appearance of posters targeting Prashant Kishor add to the political challenges facing Jan Suraaj as the Bankipur by-election approaches.
