By: The Trek News Desk
As Bihar’s political climate heats up ahead of the upcoming elections, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has levelled serious allegations against senior BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. According to Kishor, several Jan Suraaj candidates were allegedly intimidated or coerced into withdrawing their nominations under political pressure.
Speaking at a press conference held at Shekhpura House in Patna on Tuesday, Kishor claimed,
“BJP has always projected invincibility. But for the first time, they’re shaken, and it’s not the Grand Alliance, but Jan Suraaj, that’s rattled them.”
“Candidate was held to prevent nomination”
Kishor made a striking claim regarding the Danapur constituency, alleging that Jan Suraaj candidate Akhilesh Kumar a.k.a. Mutur Shah was detained the entire day by BJP leaders, including the Home Minister and the Bihar election in-charge, to stop him from filing his nomination.
“The narrative was that RJD goons had kidnapped our candidate. But the truth is, he was sitting with the Union Home Minister. This is the real face of the BJP,” Kishor said.
Dharmendra Pradhan was “directly involved” in the withdrawal of three candidates
Kishor accused Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan of playing a direct role in pressuring three Jan Suraaj candidates into pulling out of the electoral race. He presented a photograph showing Pradhan with Dr Satya Prakash Tiwari, Jan Suraaj’s Brahampur candidate, who unexpectedly withdrew after three days of active campaigning.
“Dr Tiwari is a respected medical professional in Patna. Why would he suddenly back out unless undue pressure was applied? Why was a senior Union Minister at his residence during an election?” Kishor questioned.
More withdrawals under “administrative pressure”
According to Kishor, similar tactics were used in other constituencies. In Gopalganj, candidate Dr Shashi Shekhar Sinha, son-in-law of veteran leader Raghunath Pandey, reportedly told Kishor he was facing political pressure but would remain in the race. Within hours, Sinha withdrew his nomination and went offline.
Kishor further alleged that Jan Suraaj’s Kumhrar candidate Prof. K.C. Sinha was repeatedly threatened, but refused to withdraw.
In Valmikinagar, Jan Suraaj candidate Dr Narayan Prasad, a former schoolteacher who resigned two years ago, is now facing objections from local authorities claiming his resignation was never accepted, thereby disqualifying him from contesting.
Election Commission under scrutiny
Kishor didn’t hold back from questioning the role of the Election Commission either.
“If you can’t protect the candidates, how will you safeguard voters on polling day? If candidates can be forced to withdraw, what will stop parties from intimidating voters?”
He claimed that 14 Jan Suraaj candidates had faced threats, although 240 others remain in the fray.
“We salute those who stood firm. The pressure is real, but so is our resolve.”
“BJP fears the educated, not the criminals”
Kishor took a dig at the BJP, asserting that their fear stems not from traditional political rivals but from ordinary professionals.
“BJP isn’t afraid of musclemen. They’re afraid of honest doctors, teachers, and entrepreneurs who represent a new kind of politics. That’s the real threat Jan Suraaj poses,” he said.
Focus on the representation of backward and minority communities
Kishor highlighted that Jan Suraaj had given 54 tickets to candidates from Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and 34 to Muslim candidates.
“Our target was 70 EBC candidates. We reached 54, which is still the highest representation given to this community by any political party.”
“Those who talk about tokenism, look at our numbers. We’ve fielded Muslim candidates wherever we could, except in seats already represented by Muslim MLAs.”
A storm before the ballot
With these explosive allegations, Prashant Kishor has thrown down a gauntlet to the BJP and the Election Commission. While the BJP has yet to issue an official response, the claims have already intensified the political tension in the state.
Jan Suraaj has made it clear: they will not bow to pressure, and if these claims hold, the state may be looking at more than just an electoral contest; it could be a turning point in how political intimidation is addressed in Indian democracy.
Source: News Agencies
