Patna: RJD’s de- facto leader and former Bihar deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav is set to embark on a ‘Jan Vishwas Yatra’ across Bihar starting February 20. As anticipation builds around his tour, former poll strategist and Jan Suraj campaign convener, Prashant Kishor, faced questions from journalists regarding Tejashwi’s upcoming venture. Kishor didn’t hold back, launching a scathing attack on Tejashwi and the RJD during his response.
Kishor pointedly questioned the efficacy of such yatras, drawing parallels with previous political journeys undertaken by leaders in Bihar. He referenced Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ‘Samadhan Yatra’ and Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’, questioning the tangible impact these initiatives had on addressing the state’s myriad challenges.
“During Nitish Kumar’s tenure of several yatras, how many of Bihar’s issues were genuinely resolved?” Kishor challenged. “Similarly, what justice has Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ brought to Bihar? Now, what difference will Tejashwi’s ‘Jan Vishwas Yatra’ make? You can’t keep offering empty promises. The people of Bihar are not naïve,” Kishor said.
Continuing his critique, Kishor highlighted the enduring issues of poverty, migration, and unemployment that persist despite decades of rule by the RJD and its predecessors. “Lalu-Nitish have governed Bihar for 30-32 years. Yet, poverty remains rampant, migration continues unabated, and job opportunities remain scarce. What faith are they talking about now?” he questioned.
Drawing from his experiences, Kishor cast doubt on the ability of the RJD to transcend traditional fault lines in Bihar politics. “Those who have witnessed the governance under RJD and Lalu ji’s son know their track record,” he asserted. “They cannot rise above caste divisions, Hindu-Muslim conflicts, corruption, and hooliganism. It’s ingrained in their political DNA.”
