Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor stated on Thursday that naming RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as the chief ministerial candidate for the INDIA bloc will not influence public sentiment in Bihar ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections.Addressing media personnel in Siwan during his campaign, Kishor described the announcement as predictable and ineffective. “It has always been understood that if the RJD were to return to power, Tejashwi Yadav would be chief minister. The declaration changes nothing,” he said.

He further criticized Yadav’s policy pledges, including permanent government status for contractual workers and increased remuneration, as lacking credibility. “The people of Bihar recall the governance challenges during the RJD’s tenure. Such promises will not yield electoral gains,” Kishor asserted.Earlier in the day, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot announced at a press conference in Patna that Mukesh Sahni, leader of the Vikassheel Insaan Party and a representative of the Extremely Backward Classes, would serve as a deputy chief minister if the INDIA bloc forms the government. Additional deputy CM positions were promised to leaders from various social segments to reflect Bihar’s complex demographic structure.

Kishor characterized these commitments as indicators of political desperation. “When victory appears distant, multiple deputy chief ministerial posts are offered. However, this approach will not resonate with voters. The NDA’s tenure is concluding, but Jan Suraaj will form the next government,” he declared.The former election strategist, aged 47, has committed to contesting all 243 assembly seats under the Jan Suraaj banner and plans to challenge Yadav directly in the Raghopur constituency.

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Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj candidate Zeyauddin Khan from Sitamarhi withdrew his nomination on Thursday, citing a “sacrifice for the larger societal interest” in a social media statement. This follows the withdrawal of three other candidates and the failure of two more to file nominations—developments Kishor has attributed to pressure from the BJP, including senior central leaders.

The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14. The contest features a three-way battle among the ruling NDA, the opposition INDIA bloc, and the emerging Jan Suraaj Party.

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