Political strategist-turned-activist and Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor stirred a fresh national debate by questioning the Indian government’s decision to agree to a ceasefire with Pakistan, hinting it may have been a missed military opportunity.
“Why Stop When We Were Winning?”
During a press conference in East Champaran, Bihar, on Saturday, Kishor pointedly criticized the timing and rationale behind India’s agreement to halt military hostilities with Pakistan.
“If Pakistan wanted a ceasefire, that means our army was doing a good job. They must have been scared. Why stop there? We should’ve let it continue for two more days,” he said.
Kishor emphasized that the initiative for a ceasefire came from Pakistan, a fact he said reflects Islamabad’s fear and military vulnerability. He argued that India’s military had the upper hand and should have capitalized on the momentum.
Praises Jaishankar, But Questions Policy Choice
While questioning the ceasefire, Kishor was quick to praise External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, calling him “very educated and sensible.”
“I have great respect for Jaishankar. He clarified that the ceasefire came at Pakistan’s request, and the Indian Army was in control,” Kishor added, aligning his critique with the minister’s statement but questioning the strategic wisdom of the decision.
Reference to S Jaishankar’s Comments
Kishor’s remarks came in response to a May 23 statement by Jaishankar, who told Danish media TV2:
“After a few days of fighting, we hit them very hard on the morning of the 10th. That prompted Pakistan to say, ‘We’re prepared to stop the firing and reach an understanding.’ The two militaries directly negotiated the cessation.”
Taking a Dig at Donald Trump’s Claim
Kishor also mocked former U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertions that his administration played a role in de-escalating India-Pakistan tensions.
“Trump said they deserved a Nobel Peace Prize. But why should we believe what Trump said? We will believe our own Foreign Minister,” Kishor said, reinforcing the idea that India’s military strength, not external mediation, led to de-escalation.
Political Undertones Amid Bihar Elections
The remarks come ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, expected in October-November 2025. Kishor’s criticism appears calculated to position himself and Jan Suraaj as a nationalist voice that challenges both the NDA’s security posture and foreign policy optics.
The NDA (BJP-JD(U)-LJP), led by Nitish Kumar, seeks re-election, while the INDIA bloc, including RJD and Congress, mounts an opposition campaign. Kishor’s remarks may resonate with voters looking for stronger nationalistic posturing.
Conclusion: A Stirring Political and Strategic Debate
Prashant Kishor’s comments have reignited the long-standing debate around military restraint vs. strategic dominance in India’s foreign policy. While his admiration for Jaishankar shows alignment on factual grounds, his political interpretation of the ceasefire may influence both public opinion and electoral discourse in the coming months.
With elections on the horizon and national security a core voter issue, this ceasefire conversation may evolve into a larger narrative battle between pragmatism and assertiveness in India’s geopolitical strategy.