Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor has made a bold promise regarding Bihar’s controversial liquor ban. Speaking ahead of the official launch of his new political party, Jan Suraaj, on October 2, Kishor stated that his party would immediately abolish the state’s prohibition law if elected to power.
Bold Promise on Liquor Ban
In a recent media interaction, Kishor declared that his party would “scrap the ban on liquor within an hour of forming its government.” He labelled the existing prohibition law as a “dhakosla” (sham), accusing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of failing to enforce an effective ban. Kishor criticized the prohibition as not only ineffective but also detrimental to the state’s economy, claiming it has led to illegal home deliveries of alcohol and deprived Bihar of approximately Rs 20,000 crore in potential excise revenue.
Criticism of Current Political Leadership
Kishor, who has previously advised on major political campaigns including those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nitish Kumar, and Aam Aadmi Party’s Arvind Kejriwal, expressed his frustration with both current and past political leaders. He attributed Bihar’s ongoing issues to Kumar and his predecessor, Lalu Prasad, while also placing blame on Congress and BJP for their roles.
The strategist-turned-politician asserted that the current prohibition is manipulated for political gain and that politicians and bureaucrats are benefiting from the illegal liquor trade. He positioned himself as a proponent of “kabiliyat ki rajniti” (politics of merit), promising to tackle issues directly rather than avoiding controversial topics for fear of losing votes.
Party Launch and Electoral Plans
Jan Suraaj, Kishor’s new political entity, is set to be officially launched on October 2. Kishor confirmed that his party would contest all 243 seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, asserting that “Jan Suraaj will contest all 243 seats, not one less.”
Conclusion
Kishor’s commitment to lifting the liquor ban and his candid critique of Bihar’s political landscape reflect his ambitious plans for Jan Suraaj. As the party gears up for the assembly elections, Kishor’s promises and accusations are likely to spark further debate and scrutiny.