Patna: Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor launched a scathing critique of the Nitish Kumar-led state government and its political allies on Monday, accusing the JD(U), BJP and RJD of exploiting sensitive issues like the caste census, Dalit-Mahadalit welfare, and land survey reforms for political gains rather than public welfare.
Speaking at a press conference in Patna, Kishor alleged that the caste census, whose findings were tabled in the Bihar Assembly on November 7, 2023, has been used to stoke caste sentiments rather than enable targeted development. “Nitish Kumar made five major announcements on November 22, but what has come of them?” asked Kishor. “The promise to increase reservation limits remains unfulfilled despite JD(U) being in power both at the state and Centre.”
He further questioned the status of the government’s pledge to provide Rs 2 lakh in employment assistance to 94 lakh families and Rs 1.2 lakh for housing to 40 lakh homeless citizens. “Not a single rupee has reached anyone. Were these announcements just as hollow as Narendra Modi’s promise of Rs 15 lakh in every account?” he said.
Criticising the government’s Mahadalit Vikas Mission, Kishor highlighted the gap between intention and delivery. While the scheme, launched in 2006, promised 3 decimal land to every landless Dalit family, only 2.34 lakh families have received land to date. “Even among them, nearly 1.2 lakh families lack access to basic amenities, as per the Deshpal Committee report,” he added.
Kishor also turned his attention to the much-hyped land survey project, launched in 2013, calling it a hotbed of corruption and social unrest. “Only 20% of Bihar’s land has been digitised so far, while Andhra Pradesh, which started after us, has reached 80%. Bribes ranging from Rs 25 to 50 lakh are reportedly being paid for key postings in land offices, and land disputes have become the leading cause of local crimes,” he said.
In response, Jan Suraaj announced a mass mobilisation campaign beginning May 11, aiming to hold meetings in 40,000 villages and gather one crore signatures. The campaign will culminate in a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister and Governor on July 11. Kishor further declared that Jan Suraaj would gherao the Bihar Vidhan Sabha during the final session of the 17th Legislative Assembly to protest the government’s inaction.
Jan Suraaj leaders including Manoj Bharti, N.P. Mandal, Gajendra Manjhi, Anil Arya, Vinita Vijay, Sarwar Ali, Riyaz Ahmed, and Poonam Paswan were also present at the press briefing.
