Dr Rajkumar Singh
The name, ‘Jan Suraj’ is literally made up of two common words ‘Jan’ and ‘Suraj’ in which Jan means ‘people’ or ‘public’ while ‘Suraj’ symbolises ‘good governance’ or ‘better administration’. When we combine these two with a political party it signifies a lot or total change in context of state like Bihar which remained only a grazing field in the last 3-4 decades for the people or coalition who ruled over in a merciless way and fulfilled their filthy intentions, not appropriate and in the interest of a province.In history the Indian state of Bihar was a seat of good governance and public welfare along with highest name of teaching and learning- the universities of Vikramshila and Nalanda. Now, the province has witnessed the formation of a new political party, Jan Suraj Party which aspires a new and flourishing Bihar, sidelining all previous parties ruling the state. It has not only a clear thinking about the present deteriorating systemic ills of the state but also has a prospective vision and action plan for the future with the aim to make it a developed one in the country and remove the obstacles of the people facing in daily life.
Foundation and leadership
The Jan Suraj Party is a political organization formed in Bihar, founded by political strategist Prashant Kishor on October 2, 2024. From earlier, Prashant Kishor, is well-known for his role in various political campaigns across India. Earlier to the formation, he launched and successfully completed a comprehensive 3,000-kilometer ‘padyatra’ (foot march) across Bihar. This journey aimed to engage with local communities and understand the state’s challenges. During the party’s inauguration in Patna, Kishor introduced Manoj Bharti, a former diplomat and IIT graduate, as the party’s first Working President. The Jan Suraj Party emphasizes inclusive governance and proportional representation, striving to reflect Bihar’s diverse social fabric. Its slogan, “Sahi log, Sahi Soch, Samuhik Prayas” (Right People, Right Thinking, Collective Effort), encapsulates its commitment to collaborative development. In context of inclusive governance, the party aims toensure proportional representation in governance to reflect Bihar’s diverse social and cultural fabric and promote policies that benefit all sections of society, especially marginalized communities. Of the many, its key policy proposal is the removal of Bihar’s liquor ban, with Kishor arguing that the ban results in an annual loss of ?20,000 crore, funds that could be redirected to enhance the state’s education system.
Political philosophy of the party
The concept of inclusive governance as envisioned by the Jan Suraj Party aims to create a governance framework in Bihar that is participatory, equitable, and reflective of the state’s diverse social fabric. It believes that effective governance is only possible when all communities, regions, and stakeholders are actively engaged in the processes of decision-making and development. The key elements of the concept include: a. Proportional Representation: Ensure governance structures reflect the demographic diversity of Bihar. Advocate for the fair inclusion of marginalized groups, such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), women, and minorities, in policymaking and leadership roles. b. Decentralized Decision-Making: Empower Panchayati Raj institutions and local governance bodies to address issues specific to their regions. Promote bottom-up governance where decisions are made closer to the people they affect. c. Community Participation: Involve local stakeholders, including civil society organizations and grassroots leaders, in planning and monitoring development programs. Conduct consultations and public hearings to ensure transparency and public accountability. d. Equity in Resource Allocation: Prioritize historically disadvantaged regions and communities for infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and job creation. Ensure equitable distribution of resources and access to government schemes. e. Good Governance Practices: Eliminate corruption and inefficiencies through transparency and accountability measures. Leverage technology for better delivery of public services, such as digital platforms for grievance redressal. f. Empowering Women and Youth: Promote the active participation of women and young people in governance and leadership roles. Implement policies for skill development, education, and employment to empower these groups. g. Focus on Social Harmony: Foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding among Bihar’s diverse communities. Address social tensions through dialogue and inclusive policies that benefit all communities. h. Sustainable Development: Incorporate environmental sustainability into governance practices, ensuring long-term benefits for all sections of society. Promote green energy, waste management, and climate-resilient infrastructure. In nutshell, the Jan Suraj Party envisions a Bihar where governance is not just about power but about empowering every individual and community to contribute to and benefit from the state’s development. Its model is designed to bridge social, economic, and regional gaps, ensuring that governance is truly for the people, by the people, and of the people.
Electoral Participation
In November 2024, the Jan Suraj Party contested its first elections by fielding candidates in four Bihar Legislative Assembly by-elections. Although the party did not secure any seats, it garnered a notable vote share in constituencies like Imamganj and Belaganj. It was viewed by the party as a good sign as well as positive beginning as the performance highlighted the party’s ability to achieve a 10% vote share despite limited time for campaign promotion.Looking ahead, the Jan Suraj Party has announced its intention to contest all 243 seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for 2025. This ambitious plan underscores the party’s commitment to becoming a significant political force in the state. Especially, because Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraj Party, is a renowned political strategist who has worked with various political parties across India. He initiated the Jan Suraj campaign to address Bihar’s developmental challenges.The Jan Suraj Party of Bihar, under the leadership of Prashant Kishor, has emphasized the concept of inclusive governance as a cornerstone of its political philosophy. This concept aims to ensure equitable representation, participation, and benefits for all sections of society, especially the marginalized and underrepresented groups. Here’s an outline of the party’s scheme and concept of inclusive governance. Next to him in the party, Manoj Bharti, who is serving as the party’s first Working President, is also a former diplomat with an educational background from IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi. He has represented India in countries like Ukraine, Belarus, and Indonesia.
(The writer is a youth motivator and former Head, Dean Social Science and Dean Students’ Welfare of the B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura)