Sitamarhi/Patna: The troubles for Jan Suraaj, which has announced candidates for over 116 seats, intensified on Thursday as its Sitamarhi candidate, Zeyauddin Khan, withdrew his nomination citing community pressure. The decision, coming from a candidate with an “clean image” and community backing, is being viewed as a major setback for former poll strategist Prashant Kishor’s fledgling political outfit in the state.
Khan’s nomination was significant because his presence, backed by the minority community, was seen as a strong factor in creating a triangular contest that would challenge the traditional bipolar fight between the major alliances. His exit is expected to consolidate the vote, potentially favoring one of the front-running candidates.
‘Sacrifice’ Post Fuels Pressure Allegations
The withdrawal was followed by a public statement from Khan, who posted on Facebook explaining his unexpected move.
“My well-wishers and members of the community were in trouble, so I have sacrificed myself for the second time,” Khan wrote.
This cryptic reference to “trouble” and “sacrifice” immediately fueled speculation within political circles that Khan may have been subjected to intense pressure to step aside, echoing recent allegations made by Prashant Kishor regarding coercion of his party candidates across Bihar.
Earlier on Tuesday, the nomination of Dirgh Narayan Prasad (hailing from the Tharu tribal community) from Valmiki Nagar seat in West Champaran, was rejected due to “technical reasons.”
High-Profile Withdrawals Spur Allegations
The nomination rejection follows a series of dramatic withdrawals that Prashant Kishor has classified as political sabotage:
- Gopalganj Sadar: On Monday, 76-year-old senior physician Dr. Shashi Shekhar Sinha, a popular candidate known for his long public service, abruptly withdrew his nomination, citing “health reasons.” His decision surprised political observers, as he was reportedly confident of victory just days earlier.
- Brahmapur (Buxar): Dr. Satyaprakash Tiwari, a Patna-based hospital owner, successfully filed his nomination only to withdraw it shortly afterward.
- Danapur (Patna): Akhilesh Kumar (alias Mutur Shah) failed to appear on the last day of nominations, becoming unreachable for several hours. His failure to file meant the seat remained uncontested by Jan Suraaj.
