Prashant Kishor Reveals Why He Was Expelled From JD(U)

On Thursday (12 September) Prashant Kishor launched a fresh attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Janata Dal (United) or JD(U).

Speaking at a press conference in Purnia, Kishor accused Kumar of expelling him from JD(U) due to his opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Kishor emphasised that his opposition to the CAA-NRC stemmed from his commitment to the welfare of the Muslim community. He stated, “I have always fought for the interests of the Muslim society, but JD(U) chose not to stand with them.”

He also raised concerns about JD(U)'s support for the Waqf law in Parliament. According to Kishor, this has made the Muslim community uneasy. He accused the party of giving symbolic positions like Member of Legislative Council (MLC) and board memberships to Muslim leaders but failing to defend the community's rights in critical situations.

Kishor further questioned JD(U)'s Muslim leaders. He asked why they continue to support a party that aligns with policies that make the Muslim population uncomfortable.

His sharpest criticism was reserved for Kumar’s decision to ally with the BJP, despite its role in passing the CAA and NRC.

He argued that JD(U) remains in coalition with BJP solely for the sake of power. Kishor said, “Nitish Kumar chose his chair over the rights of the people.” Despite massive protests against CAA and NRC across the country, Kumar did not break his alliance with the BJP.

He had joined the party in 2018, quickly becoming its national vice president. His role as a key strategist in Kumar’s successful 2015 Bihar campaign solidified his importance within JD(U).

On 12 September 2024, Kishor visited Purnia as part of his ‘Jan Suraj’ campaign. He began his visit by offering prayers at Maa Puran Devi Temple.

Kishor later held meetings with local citizens to discuss their problems. His ‘Jan Suraj’ movement aims to gather insights from the ground and draft a blueprint for Bihar’s development.