Prashant Kishor asserts Bihar’s record voter turnout signals a strong desire for change, challenging the NDA’s narrative. He claims Prime Minister Modi is using fear tactics against the RJD due to a lack of substantive offerings. Kishor highlights migrant workers shifting support, seeking jobs and factories within the state, not just infrastructure. NEW DELHI: Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has claimed that the unusually high voter turnout in the Bihar assembly elections is a direct sign that “winds of change” are blowing in the state. Kishor further claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attempting to “instil fear” to retain power because the NDA has “nothing else to offer”.Addressing supporters in Supaul, the Jan Suraaj founder said analysts had been confidently predicting the outcome, but “no one predicted that Bihar would have the highest voter turnout in the country’s political history”. He argued that the scale of voting shows voters are seeking an alternative after decades of the same politics. “The sheer number of polls shows that change is definitely coming in Bihar,” he said.Jan Suraaj Party’s Prashant Kishor Drops Bombshell, Reveals Why He Will Not Contest Bihar ElectionsKishor, whose party is contesting more than 200 seats in its electoral debut, framed the high participation as evidence that voters are rejecting fear-based appeals. “The PM is trying to get votes by instilling fear of the RJD because he has nothing else to say,” he said. “If you’re saying Jungle Raj shouldn’t return, then why should you? Jan Suraaj is the new alternative.”The first phase of polling on 121 seats saw a turnout of about 65%, significantly higher than both the 2020 assembly elections (57.29%) and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls (56.28%). Officials said this marked the highest voter participation since Independence.Kishor claimed that high turnout shows people are voting against fear, not because of it. “More than 60% of Bihar’s population wants change,” he said. “After Jan Suraaj came, people got an alternative. People have given their vote for change.”He also accused the ruling alliance of failing to provide jobs within the state, forcing workers to migrate. According to Kishor, migrant workers who traditionally voted for the NDA had shifted their support. “Earlier, the migrant workers were voting for the NDA… Today they are not. They want factories and jobs in Bihar,” he said, criticising Home Minister Amit Shah for claiming there was no land available for industries. “So if you want to build roads and national highways, then there is land in Bihar, but if you want to build factories for the children of Bihar, then there is no land here?”PM Modi, addressing rallies in Aurangabad and Kaimur, claimed the turnout reflected “trust in the track record of Narendra and Nitish”. He warned that voters would reject the RJD, which he accused of bringing “jungle raj”, and repeatedly used the phrase “katta sarkar”, alleging the opposition encouraged gun violence.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘They Were Treated Badly’: Families of Indians Trapped in Myanmar Job Scam React, MEA Sounds WarningPM Modi Flags Off Four Vande Bharat Express Trains From Varanasi, Says ‘New India On Fast Track’Massive Fire Engulf Bengali Basti Near Rithala Metro, One Killed As Firefighters Battle FlamesMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ Spectre123PhotostoriesHow to make people take you seriously: 5 powerful psychology-backed tipsBollywood films often remind us that no matter the price the bonds of family, loyalty, and love remain unbrokenThe Double Helix: Inside James Watson’s wild ride to the secret of DNAFrom Diana to Meghan: 5 iconic jewellery pieces passed down through the royalsWhy do we burn incense during prayers: What the smoke representsConstipated all the time? 5 doctor-approved food combinations that help you poop naturallyFrom Katrina-Vicky’s baby boy, Aaradhya Bachchan to Raha: Celebrity kids born in the month of NovemberNew Vande Bharat routes: Fast, modern trains now run from Varanasi to Khajuraho, Lucknow to Saharanpur, Firozpur to Delhi, and Ernakulam to BengaluruWhat is the right way to add Heeng to gravies to maximise its benefitsKidney disease among top 10 causes of death; 800 million people affected and most don’t even know it: Here’s how to catch it early123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathWWE Smackdown HighlightsJoe DavisShohei OhtaniGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaDwayne JohnsonBO Nix WifeNew Vande Bharat ExpressIndia World Cup Cash Prize
NEW DELHI: Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has claimed that the unusually high voter turnout in the Bihar assembly elections is a direct sign that “winds of change” are blowing in the state. Kishor further claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attempting to “instil fear” to retain power because the NDA has “nothing else to offer”.Addressing supporters in Supaul, the Jan Suraaj founder said analysts had been confidently predicting the outcome, but “no one predicted that Bihar would have the highest voter turnout in the country’s political history”. He argued that the scale of voting shows voters are seeking an alternative after decades of the same politics. “The sheer number of polls shows that change is definitely coming in Bihar,” he said.
Kishor, whose party is contesting more than 200 seats in its electoral debut, framed the high participation as evidence that voters are rejecting fear-based appeals. “The PM is trying to get votes by instilling fear of the RJD because he has nothing else to say,” he said. “If you’re saying Jungle Raj shouldn’t return, then why should you? Jan Suraaj is the new alternative.”The first phase of polling on 121 seats saw a turnout of about 65%, significantly higher than both the 2020 assembly elections (57.29%) and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls (56.28%). Officials said this marked the highest voter participation since Independence.Kishor claimed that high turnout shows people are voting against fear, not because of it. “More than 60% of Bihar’s population wants change,” he said. “After Jan Suraaj came, people got an alternative. People have given their vote for change.”He also accused the ruling alliance of failing to provide jobs within the state, forcing workers to migrate. According to Kishor, migrant workers who traditionally voted for the NDA had shifted their support. “Earlier, the migrant workers were voting for the NDA… Today they are not. They want factories and jobs in Bihar,” he said, criticising Home Minister Amit Shah for claiming there was no land available for industries. “So if you want to build roads and national highways, then there is land in Bihar, but if you want to build factories for the children of Bihar, then there is no land here?”PM Modi, addressing rallies in Aurangabad and Kaimur, claimed the turnout reflected “trust in the track record of Narendra and Nitish”. He warned that voters would reject the RJD, which he accused of bringing “jungle raj”, and repeatedly used the phrase “katta sarkar”, alleging the opposition encouraged gun violence.
