PM Modi’s 2014 Strategist Turns Politician: Prashant Kishor Enters Bihar Battle

Prashant Kishor, the master strategist who powered Narendra Modi’s 2014 Lok Sabha landslide and Mamata Banerjee’s 2021 West Bengal triumph, is no longer just the man behind the curtain. With his newly formed Jan Suraaj Party, Kishor is stepping into the electoral fray to contest the Bihar assembly elections on November 6 and 11, 2025, aiming to upend the state’s entrenched caste-driven politics. Known for iconic slogans like “Brand Modi,” “Didi Ke Bolo,” and “Lage Raho Kejriwal,” he now seeks to redefine Bihar’s future as a candidate, challenging the decades-long dominance of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD and Nitish Kumar’s JD(U).

Kishor’s political journey is a masterclass in versatility, spanning India’s ideological spectrum. He first rose to prominence in 2011, orchestrating Modi’s Gujarat re-election with innovative campaigns like “Chai Pe Charcha” and 3D hologram rallies. By 2014, his 1,200-strong team fueled the BJP-led NDA’s national sweep, capturing 336 Lok Sabha seats with the “Brand Modi” narrative. Switching sides, he engineered the 2015 Bihar grand alliance’s stunning victory, securing 178 of 243 seats for the JD(U)-RJD-Congress coalition against the BJP. His knack for catchy slogans shone again with “Lage Raho Kejriwal” for Arvind Kejriwal’s 2020 Delhi rout (62/70 seats), “Coffee with Captain” for Amarinder Singh’s Punjab win, “Jaganna’s Navratnalu” for Jagan Mohan Reddy’s 2019 Andhra Pradesh landslide, and “Didi Ke Bolo” for Banerjee’s 2021 Bengal hat-trick.

Through his consultancy, I-PAC, Kishor transformed regional campaigns with data-driven precision and grassroots mobilization. In 2021, he delivered Tamil Nadu’s DMK chief MK Stalin a decisive victory with tailored outreach, while his “Phir Se, Nitish” campaign bolstered Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) in past Bihar polls. Yet, his record isn’t flawless: the 2017 Congress-Samajwadi alliance in Uttar Pradesh flopped with the “UP Ko Yeh Saath Pasand Hai” slogan, paving the way for Yogi Adityanath’s BJP sweep. Tensions with Nitish Kumar also led to Kishor’s ouster from JD(U) in 2018, mere months after being named vice-president, marking a rare personal setback in his home state.

Also Read: Prashant Kishor Rejects Alliance With Chirag Paswan, Vows Solo Fight

Jan Suraaj, launched in 2024, is Kishor’s bold pivot from kingmaker to reformer. Rejecting Bihar’s caste-centric politics, the party champions education, jobs, and anti-corruption measures. Its first 51-candidate list, unveiled on October 9, features professionals like ex-bureaucrats, doctors, and Karpuri Thakur’s granddaughter, signaling a break from dynastic norms. Kishor, who will contest a yet-to-be-announced seat, has vowed a “first or last” finish. Recent polls project Jan Suraaj capturing 10-11% vote share and 4-6 seats, with Kishor’s 15% popularity surpassing Nitish and Tejashwi Yadav in some surveys. Strategic mergers, like former JD(U) leader RCP Singh’s Aap Sabki Awaaz, have bolstered his ranks, amplifying his disruptor potential.

Despite the buzz, skeptics argue Kishor faces an uphill battle in a state polarized between the NDA (JD(U)-BJP) and Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress). Critics label Jan Suraaj a potential vote-splitter that could inadvertently aid the BJP. Yet, Kishor’s padyatra-fueled campaign, tapping into youth frustration with Bihar’s governance flip-flops since 1995, has sparked intrigue. With 2.7 million social media followers and a knack for viral optics, his outsider appeal could sway urban and floating voters. As the October 6 poll notification deadline looms and results near on November 14, Bihar braces for a seismic shift—or a fleeting footnote—in its storied political saga.

Also Read: Chirag Paswan Critiques Prashant Kishor’s “Kejriwal-Style” Politics