Raghopur, Bihar: Jan Suraaj founder and political strategist-turned-leader Prashant Kishor made a high-profile visit to the Raghopur Assembly constituency on Saturday, a traditional stronghold of the RJD and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. The visit has fueled speculation about a possible electoral face-off between Kishor and Yadav.
Raghopur, often termed a VIP seat in Bihar politics, has long been dominated by the Lalu Yadav family. Lalu won the constituency in 1995 and 2000, later vacating it for his wife, Rabri Devi, who held the seat until 2010 when she was defeated by Satish Kumar of the JD(U). Tejashwi Yadav won the seat in 2015 and retained it in 2020.
During his visit, Kishor, who is set to make his electoral debut, criticized Yadav over dynastic politics and alleged that the RJD leader has won elections through a “setting.” Kishor also interacted with supporters, sharing light moments such as being weighed against traditional laddoos on a scale.
“This is the very place that sent Yadav to the deputy chief minister’s chair, yet there isn’t even a proper school for children here. He should be worried; he has done no development. He wins elections through ‘setting,’ but that won’t work this time. Even the roads and healthcare are a mess. I came here to shine a light on this reality. Yadav should fear the people’s anger, not the opposition,” Kishor said.
When asked about contesting from Raghopur, Kishor said the party will decide later, adding, “But one thing is clear – everyone seems scared of us. Even Yadav is reportedly preparing to contest from two seats this time.”
Strategic Move
Jan Suraaj insiders said Kishor’s visit is a key strategy for the party’s broader campaign to break into Yadav’s home turf. The constituency, located in Bihar’s Vaishali district, is flood-prone and suffers heavy damage nearly every year.
During the visit, Kishor received an enthusiastic reception, with supporters showering him with garlands and chanting “Jan Suraaj Zindabad.” Responding to critics who called him an outsider, Kishor remarked, “If I am an outsider, then so is Yadav. He is originally from Gopalganj and contests from here. The people must now decide whether they want development or dynasty politics.”
Kishor emphasized that Jan Suraaj aims to redefine politics in Bihar, not just defeat a person or party. “We are here to listen to the people. Whether we contest or not will be decided later. But one thing is clear: the people want change,” he said.
Prashant Kishor Makes High-Profile Visit To Raghopur, Signals Challenge To Tejashwi Yadav
