It was an almost no-show for the Jan Suraaj Party in the Bihar Assembly elections, forcing it to take stock of the poll setback and introspect the reasons for its failure to win over voters, said party spokesperson, Pavan K Varma, on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Varma said Jan Suraaj had gone into the polls with “sincerity and conviction” but admitted that it had failed to win voters’ confidence.
His remarks came when the ruling NDA seems set to sweep the ruling assembly polls, leading with 208 assembly seats by 3.30 pm on November 14, while the opposition INDIA bloc was way behind with just 32 seats, signalling a sharp tilt in favour of the BJP-led coalition.
Within the NDA, the JD(U) had won 85 seats, the BJP 95 seats, with allies LJP (RV) (19) and HAM(S) (5) adding further heft to the front.
The Mahagathbandhan’s leads were anchored by the RJD’s 24 seats, followed by the Congress (5), CPI(ML)-Liberation (2). The Bahujan Samaj Party, AIMIM, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha also figured in the early count.
EC trends showed Kishor’s party struggling to register leads anywhere, a stark contrast to the momentum that his ‘yatra’ and district-level grassroots mobilisation had generated over the past two years.
Also Read: NDA will get thumping majority: Bihar BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal
“We worked with full sincerity, with the belief that Bihar needs fundamental change. There was no lack of effort. But if we have not won the people’s trust, we will analyse why and reflect on it,” Varma said.
Although the party failed to impress at the ballot box, Varma insisted that it had succeeded in compelling mainstream parties to acknowledge pressing governance concerns.
“One thing gives us satisfaction, that the Jan Suraaj agenda of employment, migration, education and corruption-free Bihar will now be part of every party’s agenda,” he said.
On the NDA emerging as the single-largest winning party in the state, Varma said election outcomes often defy predictions.
“I have seen many elections where results turn out differently from what was anticipated. There is no doubt that Nitish ji continues to enjoy acceptance and respect in Bihar. I have worked closely with him, and we are happy that he has received the people’s mandate. We wish him well and hope he becomes the chief minister again,” he added.
At Jan Suraaj party quarters, however, it’s time for self-reflection. Varma said the party would “review its shortcomings” even though its “vision and efforts had no flaw”.
“The results are disappointing, no doubt. We will now analyse what needs to be done next,” he added.
However, Varma dismissed the idea that a setback would translate into Prashant Kishor leaving Bihar.
“Whether he stays or goes is his personal decision. But he cannot leave Bihar, nor can Bihar leave him. Once the complete results are out, he will share his response on the future course,” he added.
Follow us
