Prashant Kishor Criticizes Both Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad for Bihar's 'Jungle Raj'

New Delhi- In a press conference held in Darbhanga on March 10, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor delivered harsh criticism against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, claiming both leaders have contributed to what he described as "Jungle Raj" in the state, albeit in different forms.

Kishor, who has been touring Bihar's villages for the past two years to build grassroots support, asserted that while the nature of lawlessness has transformed, its impact on citizens remains severe. "Under Lalu Prasad's administration, criminals were the face of jungle raj. Now, under Nitish Kumar's leadership, bureaucrats are running a different version of jungle raj," Kishor remarked. He further claimed that the pattern of exploitation has merely shifted from "nighttime robberies by criminals during Lalu's era" to "daytime looting by officers using their pens under Nitish."

The political strategist-turned-politician appears to be positioning Jan Suraaj as a viable alternative to both the RJD and JD(U), especially as Bihar approaches its 2025 Assembly elections. Despite his party's disappointing performance in recent by-elections across four constituencies (Belaganj, Imamganj, Tarari, and Ramgarh), Kishor expressed confidence about upcoming political changes in the state.

"Regardless of circumstances, Nitish Kumar will not return as Chief Minister," Kishor predicted, adding that a new leadership would emerge following elections in approximately six months. He emphasized that Bihar's citizens have endured hardship under both administrations and are now seeking fresh political options.

Kishor's comments come amid growing public dissatisfaction with administrative inefficiency and alleged corruption under the current government. By drawing parallels between the two prominent political figures who have dominated Bihar's political landscape for decades, he appears to be attempting to carve out a distinct political identity ahead of next year's crucial state elections.