Prashant Kishor Challenges Union Minister to Bring in CBI, ED Over Allegations Against Jan Suraaj Leaders
In a bold rebuttal, Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraaj and renowned strategist who claims to have retired from political consultancy, challenged Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi to involve central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) if he genuinely suspects misconduct by his party’s leaders.
Addressing supporters during a campaign event in Tarari, Kishor dismissed Manjhi's accusations that Jan Suraaj had attempted to sway voters with cash incentives during by-elections for four Bihar assembly seats. Kishor retorted, “Does Manjhi realize the extent of his claim? With nearly two lakh voters in each constituency, if we’re supposedly offering ₹1 lakh per voter, the total sum would be astronomical.”
Kishor further taunted Manjhi, saying, "If he believes we're sitting on such vast resources, as a Union Minister, he should urge the ED and CBI to investigate us. He might even want to inform the Election Commission."
Continuing his critique, Kishor remarked, “For Manjhi, politics is often about advancing family interests. Ironically, in his own stronghold, Imamganj, his daughter-in-law faces a tough contest just to be a primary contender.”
Manjhi's Allegations Against Jan Suraaj
Manjhi, speaking at a rally in Imamganj, alleged that Jan Suraaj had been making locals sign forms in support of the party, promising them a cash reward of ₹1 lakh each should the party's candidate win. Imamganj, which Manjhi's daughter-in-law Deepa is contesting under his Hindustani Awam Morcha party, has been vacated following his election to the Lok Sabha.
Kishor, however, dismissed the former Chief Minister's claims, attributing them to Manjhi's frustration over Jan Suraaj's rising influence in key areas like Imamganj, where, according to Kishor, “the real contest is between Jan Suraaj and RJD.”
Jan Suraaj’s Political Journey Begins
Earlier this month, Kishor officially launched Jan Suraaj, marking his entry into direct political engagement with a pledge to contest the upcoming Bihar assembly polls independently. The party is also running in the by-elections for four assembly seats: Imamganj, Tarari, Belaganj, and Ramgarh, each left vacant after respective MLAs were elected to the Lok Sabha.
Kishor’s new political endeavor and his defiant stance against veteran leaders like Manjhi signal a fresh wave of competition in Bihar's political landscape.
