Prashant Kishor Calls Bihar a ‘Failed State,’ Urges Bihari Diaspora for Action

Jan Suraaj leader and renowned poll strategist Prashant Kishor stirred controversy with a blunt assessment of Bihar’s condition during a virtual interaction with the Bihari diaspora in the United States. Launching the US chapter of his political initiative, Kishor described Bihar as “literally a failed state” in need of substantial development, adding that the state is “in deep s***.”

Key Remarks:

• Bleak Outlook on Bihar: Kishor criticized the state’s condition, likening it to nations embroiled in prolonged conflicts, such as Sudan, where societal progress is overshadowed by survival struggles.
• Population Challenges: Highlighting Bihar’s massive population, he remarked, “If Bihar were a country, it would be the 11th largest in the world, having just overtaken Japan in population.”
• A Call for Action: Kishor urged the Bihari diaspora to move beyond discussions and actively contribute to the state’s development, stating, “I have not seen anything very tangible on the ground.”

Vision for Bihar’s Future:

Despite Jan Suraaj’s dismal performance in the recent Assembly bypolls, where the party failed to secure a single seat, Kishor expressed confidence in winning the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Outlining his vision for governance, he pledged:

• Education as a Priority: Enhancing school education would be the government’s top agenda.
• Revenue Generation: Kishor proposed lifting the statewide alcohol ban, arguing that it has been ineffective and harmful to state revenues.

Optimistic Despite Setbacks:

Acknowledging the immense challenges in turning Bihar into a middle-income state by 2029-2030, Kishor called it an achievable milestone with sustained effort. He reaffirmed his confidence, saying, “Jan Suraaj will win in 2025. There is no doubt about it.”

Kishor’s candid remarks have drawn sharp reactions from political opponents and sparked debate about Bihar’s developmental path. The bold stance signals his resolve to shape Bihar’s future while challenging the status quo.