Prashant Kishor, the prominent political strategist and leader of the Jan Suraj party, has once again stirred interest with his disclosure about the high fees he charges for his election advisory services. Addressing a gathering on October 31 in Belaganj, Bihar, while campaigning for the upcoming by-elections, Kishor candidly shared that his fees exceed Rs 100 crore for a single election campaign. His comments were a response to public curiosity regarding the funding of his political activities, with Kishor emphasizing that his financial independence allows him to run a campaign without relying on outside donations or contributions.
Speaking to a crowd that included members of the Muslim community, Kishor’s tone was assertive as he explained the scale of his work and resources. “People often ask me where I get the money to sustain my campaigns. Do you think I am that weak financially? In Bihar, no one commands the kind of fee that I do. If I provide election advice just once, my fee is Rs 100 crore or even more. With that amount, I can fund my campaigns here for the next two years without any difficulty,” he stated. His transparency has added a new dimension to his public image, as he positions himself not only as a strategist but also as an independently funded political actor with significant influence in the Indian political landscape.
Kishor also highlighted that ten state governments have sought his expertise, illustrating his impact on Indian politics over the last decade. His insights and strategies have been pivotal in shaping numerous successful campaigns, underscoring his reputation as one of the country’s most sought-after political advisors. However, Kishor is now fully focused on his political journey with Jan Suraj, seeking to establish it as a credible alternative in Bihar's political arena.
For the upcoming Bihar by-elections on November 13, Jan Suraj has fielded four candidates: Mohammad Amjad in Belaganj, Jitendra Paswan in Imamganj, Sushil Kumar Singh Kushwaha in Ramgarh, and Kiran Singh in Tarari. These by-elections are anticipated to be fiercely contested, as Jan Suraj competes against established parties in Bihar, such as the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Janata Dal (United), both of which have deep-rooted support across the state. The results, expected on November 23, will serve as an early indicator of Kishor’s political influence and the potential reach of Jan Suraj among Bihar's electorate.
Kishor’s high-profile involvement in the Bihar by-elections marks a significant shift from his prior role as a behind-the-scenes strategist. Now, he is in the public eye as a candidate-builder, testing whether his political insights and grassroots campaign strategies can translate into voter support for his own party. His financial independence, a rarity in regional politics, allows him the freedom to navigate campaigns with fewer constraints, potentially appealing to voters looking for leaders unburdened by financial backers.
As Kishor intensifies his campaign efforts in Bihar, the state is abuzz with speculation about whether his innovative methods and strategic insights can disrupt traditional party strongholds. His focus on local issues and self-reliance might resonate with the electorate, positioning Jan Suraj as a credible option in Bihar's political landscape. If successful, Kishor's strategy could reshape not only the outcome of the by-elections but also the broader dynamics of Bihar politics, setting Jan Suraj on a path to compete in the state's 2025 assembly elections.
