This column explores a wide range of topics — politics, society, art, culture, folklore and literature. It loves synchronising the current events with the folklores, ballads and raw accounts of ordinary people. And this is the 21st article in the series. However, at times, the real-life events throw more dramatic spectacles than the ghosts, demons and gods in the folklores. The results of the Bihar assembly elections are more bizarre than many folktales and ballads in the rich repertoire of folklore in India. So let us be factual and unfiltered in telling some parts of it:
The election has delivered a stunning outcome. Even more astonishing, however, is the conduct of both the victors and the vanquished in the aftermath.
Pollsters, experts, and analysts have been left baffled by the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) landslide victory in terms of seats. The opposition Mahagathbandhan, meanwhile, is reeling from its dismal performance.
Yet the most striking aspect has been the silence of the key leaders. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who spearheaded the NDA’s campaign, has remained characteristically enigmatic. He has neither thanked the voters nor offered the media any explanation for his alliance’s success.
Similarly, Tejashwi Yadav, the face of the Mahagathbandhan, has stayed conspicuously silent. While his party’s MLAs and workers loudly allege vote manipulation, Tejashwi himself has avoided the media spotlight entirely.
In sharp contrast stands Prashant Kishor. Despite his Jan Suraaj Party failing to win a single seat and suffering a crushing defeat, Prashant faced the press with grace. He accepted full responsibility, explained his position clearly, and answered every question put to him.
What Prashant did — after three years of tireless grassroots work and confident predictions — was no small feat. It took time to absorb such a colossal setback, but he eventually stepped forward with dignity and accountability.
I did not attend his press conference, but I have compiled the key excerpts from his statements (sourced from PTI and other agencies) for the record and for our readers.
Like many of you, I too am perplexed by the election result and not yet in a position to offer deep analysis. So, for now, it is best to let Prashant speak. That single act of accountability stands out as the most dignified moment of this election. I was not at the press conference, but here, for the record, is what Prashant Kishor said—condensed but unfiltered. It’s based on the reports of the PTI and other agencies. Here it goes:
On accepting defeat:
“We came with a dream to change Bihar’s politics—focus on education, jobs, stopping migration, good governance, not caste or freebies. We failed completely. I take 100% responsibility for not earning the people’s trust. Not getting votes is not a crime, but failing to convince Bihar is my failure.
Congratulations to Nitish Kumar and NDA for the massive mandate. But let us speak plainly: never before in independent India has a sitting government transferred or promised ₹40,000 crore directly to voters just weeks before polling. In every constituency 60–62 thousand women got ₹10,000 in their accounts and 1.5 crore were promised ₹2 lakh loans each. This was government machinery used as an election weapon.
I am not saying people sold their votes—no one sells their future for ten thousand rupees—but such timed incentives undeniably tilt the field. Without them, JD(U) would have been below 25 seats. I stand by that prediction.
If even five lakhs of those 1.5 crore women actually get the full ₹2 lakh, I will quit politics. If Nitish Kumar transfers the promised money to all 1.5 crore and proves this mandate was not purchased, I will retire the same day—no ifs, no buts.”
On misuse of state power:
“This was not governance; this was election engineering. Using Jeevika didis as party workers, unexplained 15–20% vote jumps in the last two hours, and the Election Commission refusing data—these are serious questions. The opposition must take this to the Supreme Court and force a review of the Model Code of Conduct.
I hold no post, so what do I resign from? I am not Nitish Kumar who once swore he would ‘mix with the soil’ rather than touch the BJP and then embraced them thrice. I said I would quit active politics if JD(U) crossed 25 seats—not that I would abandon Bihar. I have already left the politics of horse-trading and chairs. I am here for the mission, not the kursi. Anyone who thinks I will run away from Bihar is mistaken.”
We failed to communicate why Bihar needs a new system. Many of our voters went to NDA out of fear of ‘jungle raj’ returning with RJD. I accept I do not know how to divide Bihar on caste and religion the way Lalu, Samrat Choudhary or Ashok Choudhary do. Trying to unite and improve Bihar is apparently being treated as a crime.
Our objections to certain leaders remain unchanged. The people have given NDA a mandate, but that does not wash away allegations. If the four individuals we named are inducted again, we will go to the people and, if required, to court”.
On the road ahead:
“This is a setback, not the end. I will work with double the energy I showed in the last three years. There is no retreat, no surrender. As atonement for letting down those who believed in Jan Suraaj, I will observe a day-long silent fast on November 20—the likely oath-taking day of the new government—at Gandhi’s Bhitiharwa Ashram in West Champaran.
VIDEO | West Champaran, Bihar: Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor undertook a day-long “maun upvaas” at Bhitiharwa Ashram.
Party’s Bihar President Manoj Kumar Bharti says, “Jan Suraaj party was on movement for past three years to let the people of Bihar know the correct reason… pic.twitter.com/VbIYA4BJIw
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 20, 2025
My appeal to Bihar: one day rise above caste, religion and freebies. Vote for a future where your children do not have to migrate. The day migration stops; I will gladly leave politics. Until then, I stay.”He ended with a smile: “Abhimanyu died in the chakravyuh, but the Pandavas still won the war. We will win too.”
Prashant Kishor’s press conference—defiant, self-critical, unapologetic—will be remembered long after the victory drums fall silent.
My Salute to you:
I had saluted your tireless efforts to change the system, Prashant in the run-up to the polls. I salute you in your moments of defeat too. This column has largely tried to sing the lores of pains and mirth with the tales and ballads from folklore, literature and oral tradition.
It will keep visiting you in your efforts for ‘vyawastha Parivartan (change of system)” in Bihar and India at large.
Best wishes Prashant Kishore!
