When it comes to Bihar elections, names like Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav usually dominate headlines. But this time, a new figure has captured public attention: Prashant Kishor. The political strategist-turned-politician is contesting the Bihar Assembly elections for the first time with his newly launched Jan Suraaj Party, promising reforms in education, employment, and governance.
Though Prashant Kishor is new as a candidate, he is far from new to Indian politics. Over the past decade, he has earned the reputation of a ‘kingmaker,’ shaping the destinies of several prominent leaders and influencing election outcomes across states.
Kishor’s biggest claim to fame remains his role as the campaign strategist for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2014 General Elections, where he helped the Bharatiya Janata Party secure an absolute majority, an achievement that marked a turning point in Indian politics. His strategic acumen earned him a spot in Forbes India’s “20 People to Watch in the 2020s.”
Life and Career
Born in 1977 in Konar village, Rohtas district, Bihar, Kishor later moved to Buxar with his family. He completed his schooling there before moving to Hyderabad for engineering studies. Before entering politics, he worked as a public health specialist at the United Nations, showcasing his early inclination towards public service. He is married to Dr. Jahnavi Das, and the couple has a son.
Landmark Campaigns
Over the years, Prashant Kishor has helped multiple leaders and parties achieve significant electoral victories:
- 2011 Gujarat Assembly Elections: Kishor’s first major political campaign helped Narendra Modi secure a third term as Chief Minister of Gujarat, establishing him as a rising star in political strategy.
- 2014 General Elections: As the chief strategist for Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party, Kishor played a pivotal role in the historic Lok Sabha victory, where BJP won an absolute majority.
- 2015 Bihar Assembly Elections: Guided Nitish Kumar to a third consecutive win, coining the slogan “Nitish ke Nishchay: Vikas ki Guarantee.”
- 2017 Punjab Assembly Elections: Helped Congress leader Amarinder Singh secure victory after two consecutive defeats.
- 2017 Uttar Pradesh Elections: Worked with Congress, though the party did not win.
- 2019 Andhra Pradesh Elections: Assisted Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in winning 151 out of 175 seats.
- 2020 Delhi Assembly Elections: Strategised for Aam Aadmi Party, which won 62 out of 70 seats.
- 2021 West Bengal & Tamil Nadu Elections: Played key roles in victories for Mamata Banerjee and M.K. Stalin, after which he announced his temporary retirement from election strategy.
Entering Bihar Politics
Despite his illustrious career behind the scenes, Kishor is now stepping directly into the political fray. His Jan Suraaj Party aims to address governance reforms, employment, and education in Bihar, signalling a new chapter in his political journey. As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, all eyes are on whether the strategist who once shaped victories for others can now convert his vision into a win for his own party.
