Patna, Oct 9: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Friday demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that there was direct evidence against him. Kishor also questioned the functioning of the Election Commission of India (EC), claiming that its conduct had been questionable for the past eight to ten years.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Kishor said protests would continue until transparency was ensured in the electoral process. He added that questions about the Election Commission would not disappear even if Gyanesh Kumar stepped down.
Prashant Kishor Questions Election Commission’s Functioning
Kishor said the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation had gained momentum and alleged that evidence against the CEC justified calls for him to step down.
However, he argued that the issue went beyond an individual officer and concerned the functioning of the entire Election Commission.
According to Kishor, concerns about the poll body’s conduct had continued for nearly a decade. He alleged that the Election Commission had shown bias towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and questioned what he described as selective decisions favouring the ruling party.
Kishor maintained that transparency and accountability were necessary to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
Kishor Alleges Vote Buying Through ₹10,000 Scheme
The Jan Suraaj Party founder also criticised the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, a scheme launched by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the Bihar elections.
Kishor alleged that transferring ₹10,000 into beneficiaries’ bank accounts shortly before the elections amounted to an attempt to influence voters.
He questioned why the Election Commission had not intervened over the scheme and said the court had also refused to intervene, according to his account.
His remarks added to the political debate over government welfare schemes, election-time financial assistance and the role of election authorities in ensuring a level playing field.
These claims reflect Kishor’s allegations and do not, by themselves, establish that the scheme constituted vote buying or that the Election Commission acted unlawfully.
Prashant Kishor Responds to Criticism Over Election Spending
Responding to allegations that his party had made elections more expensive, Kishor defended the Jan Suraaj Party’s role in Bihar politics.
He argued that his party had challenged established political narratives and forced the government to make greater efforts to win public support.
Kishor said political leaders had previously sought votes by warning people about the possible return of the so-called “Jungle Raj” associated with the Lalu Prasad Yadav era. He claimed that the political competition created by his party had pushed the government to spend more money.
He also said voters should demand not only financial assistance but also better education and employment opportunities.
According to Kishor, people should be able to seek both immediate financial support and long-term improvements in public services.
Kishor Challenges Nitish Kumar Over Neeraj Kumar
Kishor also responded to a controversial remark by Janata Dal (United) leader Neeraj Kumar, who is contesting the Patna Graduates’ constituency Legislative Council election as an NDA nominee.
Kishor claimed that Neeraj Kumar had crossed political limits and predicted that his political career would suffer as a result.
He issued a direct challenge to JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, saying he would withdraw his party’s candidate if Nitish Kumar publicly expressed support for Neeraj Kumar in front of the media, even for one minute.
The statement has added another point of confrontation between the Jan Suraaj Party and the NDA ahead of the upcoming Bihar Legislative Council elections.
Bihar MLC Elections Scheduled for October 23
Elections to eight Bihar Legislative Council constituencies are scheduled for October 23, according to the announced election programme.
The constituencies going to polls are:
- Patna Graduates’
- Darbhanga Graduates’
- Tirhut Graduates’
- Kosi Graduates’
- Patna Teachers’
- Darbhanga Teachers’
- Tirhut Teachers’
- Saran Teachers’
Polling is scheduled to take place from 8 am to 4 pm on October 23. Vote counting is scheduled for October 27.
The terms of the sitting members are due to expire on November 16. The members named in connection with the eight seats are Neeraj Kumar, Sarvesh Kumar, Bansi Dhar Brajwasi, N. K. Yadav, Naval Kishore Yadav, Madan Mohan Jha, Sanjay Kumar Singh and Afaque Ahmad.
Electoral Transparency Remains a Key Political Issue
Prashant Kishor’s demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation has brought the Election Commission’s role, election-time welfare measures and political accountability into focus.
His allegations against the poll body and the ruling alliance are likely to remain part of the political debate as Bihar prepares for the Legislative Council elections.
The central questions raised by Kishor concern the independence of election authorities, transparency in electoral decisions and the need for voters to have confidence in the democratic process.
