Prashant Kishor, who strategized for DMK’s victory, falters: Jan Suraj Party’s problem in Bihar

Prashant Kishor: From Strategist for DMK’s Success to Struggling with Jan Suraaj in Bihar

Prashant Kishor, a name synonymous with electoral strategy in Indian politics, has a remarkable track record of engineering victories for major political parties like DMK, YSR Congress, and Trinamool Congress. However, his foray into full-time politics with the launch of his party, Jan Suraaj, in Bihar has been met with significant challenges. While his strategies have brought others to power, his own party struggles to gain a foothold in the politically complex state of Bihar.

Let’s delve deeper into the contrasting paths of Prashant Kishor’s successful campaigns for others and his difficulties with Jan Suraaj.

1. Prashant Kishor: A Mastermind of Electoral Success

Prashant Kishor, a former UN official, transitioned into Indian politics as a strategist and rose to prominence as the brain behind several historic electoral victories.

Key Successes:

1. Andhra Pradesh (2019):
   • Crafted innovative strategies for YSR Congress, helping Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy secure a sweeping mandate.
2. Tamil Nadu (2021):
   • Designed DMK’s electoral campaign, bringing the party back to power after a decade.
3. West Bengal (2021):
   • Successfully countered BJP’s massive campaign, ensuring Mamata Banerjee’s landslide victory.

Secrets of His Success:

• Data-driven strategy and grassroots-level planning.
• A deep understanding of voter psychology and behavior.
• Effective use of digital media and targeted messaging.

These achievements earned him the reputation of being the “go-to strategist” for political success. However, the lack of an established base and resources has hindered his own political venture.

2. The Jan Suraaj Experiment: Vision vs. Reality

In 2022, Prashant Kishor launched Jan Suraaj with the vision of transforming Bihar’s deeply caste-based and communal politics. Despite his ambitious goals, his party is facing significant setbacks.

Key Initiatives:

1. Padayatra (Foot March):
   • Covered 3,000 km across Bihar, engaging directly with the people to understand their issues.
2. Party’s Vision:
   • To break the 30-year dominance of Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav.
   • Urged voters to prioritize the future of their children over caste and religion.

Setback in By-Elections:

• Jan Suraaj contested four constituencies—Ramgarh, Tarari, Belaganj, and Imamganj—in the Bihar Assembly by-elections. Despite an extensive campaign, the party faced severe losses, with minimal voter support.

3. Reasons Behind Jan Suraaj’s Struggles

The challenges faced by Jan Suraaj stem from deep-seated issues in Bihar’s political landscape and limitations in the party’s approach.

Key Factors:

1. Caste Politics Dominance:
   • Bihar voters continue to align strongly with caste-based parties, leaving little room for new entrants.
2. Lack of Political Alliances:
   • Unlike established players like BJP, RJD, and JD(U), Jan Suraaj lacked powerful alliances to counter these forces.
3. New Party Syndrome:
   • Without a legacy or strong grassroots presence, the party struggled to attract voters.
4. Prashant Kishor’s Misjudgment:
   • Despite his strategic brilliance, Kishor’s campaign underestimated the entrenched nature of Bihar’s political loyalties.

4. DMK’s Success vs. Jan Suraaj’s Setback: A Stark Contrast

The difference between DMK’s success in Tamil Nadu and Jan Suraaj’s struggles in Bihar highlights the importance of context and party strength in electoral politics.

DMK’s Success:

• Strong Organizational Base:
  DMK already had a robust grassroots network and a history of governance, making Kishor’s strategies highly effective.
• Popular Support:
  DMK enjoyed significant goodwill among Tamil Nadu voters, which Kishor’s campaigns amplified.

Jan Suraaj’s Struggles:

• Weak Organizational Structure:
  As a new party, Jan Suraaj lacked a strong base to implement its vision effectively.
• Voter Reluctance for Change:
  Bihar’s electorate remained loyal to established parties like RJD, JD(U), and BJP, making it difficult for Jan Suraaj to gain traction.

5. The Road Ahead for Prashant Kishor and Jan Suraaj

Despite the setbacks, Prashant Kishor’s experience and reputation give him opportunities to recalibrate his approach and build a stronger political foundation.

Recommendations:

1. Forge Strategic Alliances:
   Aligning with like-minded groups or smaller parties could help Jan Suraaj gain relevance in Bihar’s political ecosystem.
2. Focus on Voter Trust:
   Programs addressing immediate concerns like education, unemployment, and corruption could resonate better with voters.
3. Strengthen Grassroots Presence:
   Building a robust cadre at the village and block levels is crucial for long-term growth.
4. Leverage Data:
   Use his expertise in data-driven strategies to identify and target specific voter groups effectively.

6. A Legacy of Strategic Brilliance

Prashant Kishor’s journey reflects the challenges of transitioning from being a strategist to a political leader. While he remains a respected figure for his contributions to DMK and other parties, his own party’s struggles underscore the complexity of Indian politics.

To succeed with Jan Suraaj, Kishor must move beyond his comfort zone of strategy and adopt a more adaptive and inclusive approach. While his brilliance as a strategist is unquestionable, his ability to inspire and mobilize as a leader remains a work in progress.

In summary, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj faces an uphill battle, but with persistence, strategic alliances, and grassroots efforts, it could still become a formidable force in Bihar politics.