Prashant Kishor, the architect of the Jan Suraj Party and a strategist turned politician, discussed with Aaj Tak various aspects of Bihar politics, particularly focusing on caste dynamics and the roles of Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav. Kishor asserted that Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav do not represent the EBC (Extremely Backward Classes) since their castes are not part of this category.
He strongly criticized the JD(U) led by Nitish Kumar and the RJD led by Lalu Yadav for indulging in caste-based politics, claiming that they have been elevated as EBC leaders without reason. He pointed out examples from Karnataka to Gujarat, highlighting that caste-based roles exist across Indian politics. He asked if it differs in Karnataka with communities like Vokkaliga and Lingayat or in Gujarat with the Patel and Kshatriya dynamics.
Kishor acknowledged that while caste is a significant social reality, it is not the sole truth in politics. He noted that since 2014, a vast number of people in Bihar vote for the BJP and in favor of Modi, even though Modi's caste has no stronghold in Bihar. Using Lalu Yadav as an example, Kishor discussed the RJD's equation with Muslims and Yadavs, illustrating that Muslims strongly support despite not sharing Yadav caste identity.
He elaborated that if states like Karnataka and Gujarat can progress, so can Bihar. He emphasized equal representation for all communities based on competence, not just numerical strength.
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Kishor expressed that capable individuals from every community will be promoted. He cited an example of a Dalit person appointed as president of a party, highlighting the individual's competence – having studied in one of the most prestigious schools of erstwhile Bihar and having served as an IFS officer and diplomat.
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Kishor claimed that Manoj Bharti wasn't chosen as Jan Suraj's president due to his Dalit identity but because of his capabilities. He criticized the prejudice that politics should be exclusively caste-driven and talked about caste surveys and proportional representation, noting that leaders from Nitish Kumar's caste make up only 2%, and those from Lalu Yadav's caste account for 14%. He asserted that if these leaders can unite different communities, so can he.
