The Aryavarth Express
Patna: Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Tuesday alleged that three candidates from his party were forced to withdraw their nominations ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, claiming pressure tactics were being used to intimidate his candidates.
Addressing a press conference in Patna, Kishor accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to create fear and undermine the Jan Suraaj campaign, stating that his party would not be deterred in its mission to defeat the BJP and uproot the NDA from power in Bihar.
“In the past four to five days, three declared Jan Suraaj candidates who had filed their nominations were forced to withdraw. The BJP is trying to project that we are scared. But let me make it clear — we are not afraid,” said Kishor.
He further claimed that the BJP was nervous about the rise of Jan Suraaj and was using the fear of “jungle raj” to influence voters.
“The BJP, through the NDA, is telling the public — vote for us or Lalu’s jungle raj will return. But the truth is, they are not afraid of the Mahagathbandhan; they fear honest and capable candidates fielded by Jan Suraaj,” he said.
Kishor also alleged that Jan Suraaj candidates and their families have been pressured and intimidated.
“They are threatening families and friends of our candidates, trying to isolate them and force them to step down. But we are prepared to fight this battle. No matter how many candidates they try to buy or confine, this election will be fought — and it will be fought strongly,” he said.
Reiterating that he will not personally contest in the Bihar elections, Kishor said the focus remains on strengthening Jan Suraaj’s movement and offering a viable alternative to traditional parties.
“We are not the Mahagathbandhan. This is a people’s movement. We are here to bring real change, and the results on November 14 will speak for themselves,” he added.
With less than two weeks to go until the first phase of voting, campaigning in Bihar has intensified. The state will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, and the results will be declared on November 14.
