With the Bihar by-elections approaching, political activity is intensifying and allegations are heating up the scene. Strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor is fielding candidates from his party, Jan Suraj, for this electoral challenge. However, the integrity of these candidates is being questioned. Scheduled for November 13, the elections cover four constituencies: Belaganj, Imamganj, Ramgarh, and Tarari, each represented by Jan Suraj candidates.
Why Questions Are Arising?
For Belaganj, 55-year-old Mohammad Amjad, engaged in agriculture and business, is running. His affidavit reveals charges of attempted murder, extortion, and assault against him, although he has not been acquitted of any. Amjad, experienced in previous elections (2005 and 2010) and a former panchayat head, faces scrutiny.
On the Imamganj seat, 47-year-old Jitendra Paswan, a physician, enters with the most criminal cases, including abduction, fraud, assault, and theft. His affidavit notes that many allegations were unsubstantiated or he was acquitted or released by the courts.
Ramgarh candidate, Sushil Kumar Singh Kushwaha, 55, a farmer, faces charges of attempted murder, bounced checks, and assault.
Tarari sees Kiran Singh as the candidate. Among Kishor’s nominees, only Kiran Devi's record is clean while the rest face accusations, thus casting doubt on Kishor’s selection strategy.
Education Concerns of Candidates
In terms of education, none of Kishor's four candidates have studied beyond the 12th grade. Kiran Devi and Mohammad Amjad have completed only up to 10th grade, while Jitendra Paswan and Sushil Kumar Singh Kushwaha have finished 12th.
The controversy arises because Kishor criticized the criminalization of politics in Bihar during his foot march and mocked Tejashwi Yadav for only reaching 9th grade. Now facing questions over their criminal and educational backgrounds, Kishor's party may encounter challenges from opponents.
Prashant Kishor’s Standpoint
Addressing the issue, Kishor asserts that none of his four candidates are criminals or involved with sand mafias. He underlined that they don't hail from major political families and their parents are neither legislators nor ministers, coming instead from regular backgrounds. Kishor emphasized that the criteria for the right candidate should not be based solely on having advanced degrees, but rather on whom society deems right.
