In Bihar, the political landscape is witnessing a significant development as Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has officially named Lieutenant General Krishna Singh, a former vice chief of army staff, as its candidate for the upcoming bypoll in the Tarari assembly seat.
This announcement was made during a press conference where Kishor, known for his role as a political strategist turned activist, shared the stage with other party leaders, including Manoj Bharti, who has transitioned from a diplomatic career to politics.
Kishor emphasised the pride associated with nominating Lt. Gen. Singh, highlighting his distinguished background as the only vice chief of army staff from Bihar, alongside the late S. K. Sinha.
Kishor remarked that Tarari has unfortunately gained notoriety for issues related to illegal sand-mining and organised crime, making Singh’s candidacy particularly relevant to the local context.
The need for a bypoll in Tarari arose following the election of Sudama Prasad, a leader from the CPI (ML), to the Lok Sabha. This vacancy represents an important opportunity for Kishor's party to make its mark in the region.
Kishor indicated that the Jan Suraaj Party plans to announce its candidates for three additional seats, where bypolls are scheduled for next month, within a few days.
During the press conference, Lt. Gen. Singh expressed his reservations about the Agniveer scheme, a controversial initiative that has faced significant opposition since its introduction.
He articulated his concerns about the scheme, arguing that a four-year contract for soldiers could undermine their dedication to their respective regiments. Singh underscored the importance of long-term commitment in military service, drawing on experiences from the Galwan Valley conflict, where he noted that despite the technical superiority of Chinese forces, the spirit and dedication of Indian troops proved crucial.
Singh, who has been residing in the Delhi-NCR region since his retirement in 2013, shared his personal motivations for entering politics. He expressed a deep connection to Tarari, the place of his roots, stating that the respect he receives there for his military service is something he has not experienced in the bustling urban life of Delhi or Noida.
He reflected on his family's situation, noting that his children are settled abroad and his wife has passed away, which has led him to give up a comfortable life to serve his hometown.
When asked about the Agniveer scheme, Singh clarified that while he has reservations about it, he would never discourage young people from considering a career in the army.
He acknowledged that the skills learned in the four years of service could provide valuable opportunities for personal development. Singh also pointed out that government policies can evolve, suggesting that there might be future amendments to the Agniveer scheme to align it more closely with traditional military service structures, such as the Short Service Commission.
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