Political Strategist Makes Bold Financial Commitment to Bihar Movement
In a significant announcement that could reshape Bihar's political landscape, political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor has made an extraordinary financial commitment to his Jan Suraaj movement. Speaking at the historic Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram in West Champaran, Kishor declared he would donate 90% of his income over the next five years along with the majority of his properties to ensure his campaign doesn't run out of funds.
Substantial Personal Sacrifice for Public Cause
The founder of Jan Suraaj concluded his one-day silent fast with a powerful statement about resource mobilization for his political movement. "For the next five years, at least 90% of my income will be donated to Jan Suraaj to run this campaign," Kishor asserted during his press conference in Patna.
He further elaborated that all movable and immovable property acquired over the past 20 years would be contributed to the cause, with the exception of his family's residence in Delhi. This radical personal financial commitment underscores his determination to prevent funding shortages from hampering his vision for Bihar's development.
New Campaign and Direct Challenge to Supporters
Kishor announced the launch of "Bihar Navnirman Sankalp Abhiyan" starting January 15, a renewed grassroots campaign that will span 15 to 18 months. The initiative aims to reach every village, ward, and household across Bihar, focusing particularly on ensuring that women beneficiaries receive the full ₹2 lakh promised under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar scheme.
In a move that sets new precedents in political fundraising, Kishor made a direct appeal to his supporters: "I appeal to every person associated with Jan Suraaj, every individual who loves Bihar, donate at least ₹1,000." He emphasized that mere digital engagement through YouTube views or social media comments was insufficient for genuine support.
The political activist presented an ambitious vision for collective funding, stating that if one crore people from Bihar contribute ₹1,000 each, the movement would be financially secure for the next five years.
Strict New Policy for Engagement
Kishor introduced a stringent new policy regarding his interactions with supporters and well-wishers. "From now on, I will not meet anyone who has not contributed this amount to the campaign," he declared, marking a significant shift in his approach to public engagement.
He clearly stated that he would not engage with anyone who doesn't support Jan Suraaj in a tangible way, signaling that the era of advisory support has ended and the time for active struggle has begun.
Sharp Criticism of Bihar's Political Establishment
The Jan Suraaj founder didn't mince words when addressing the recent Bihar Assembly election results, alleging unprecedented "subversion of democracy through large-scale vote buying." He made the bold claim that never in India's 75-year history has a government bought votes of crores of poor families for ₹10,000 each.
Kishor challenged the establishment to take legal action against him if his allegations were incorrect, daring authorities to "file a case against me and put me in jail" if his statements were inaccurate.
He extended his criticism to the recent cabinet formation, describing it as "rubbing salt in the wounds of Bihar's people" due to the reappointment of ministers with corruption charges and criminal backgrounds.
Grassroots Mobilization Strategy
The upcoming Bihar Navnirman Sankalp Abhiyan represents a comprehensive grassroots approach to political mobilization. Starting January 15, Kishor and his team plan to spend 15 to 18 months reaching out to every corner of Bihar, standing with those who he claims have been wronged by the current political system.
Kishor positioned the Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram as the spiritual and ideological foundation of his movement, describing it as "a source of inspiration" that the team returns to during challenging times, reminiscent of where their journey began three and a half years ago.
With these announcements, Prashant Kishor has significantly raised the stakes in his political journey, combining substantial personal financial commitment with a stringent approach to public support and an ambitious grassroots mobilization strategy that could potentially reshape Bihar's political discourse in the coming years.
