Mohit Singh
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, alleging that the poll body’s functioning favours the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and warning that protests will become inevitable if the Commission fails to discharge its duties honestly.
Speaking in Jamui, Bihar, Kishor said the functioning of the Election Commission and its handling of voter registration over the past eight to ten years have raised serious concerns. He said these concerns go beyond Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and cover the entire electoral process — from the preparation of voter lists and the deletion of names from electoral rolls to election schedules and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
Allegations of aiding the ruling party
Kishor alleged that aspects of the electoral process — including voter list preparation, the scheduling of election dates, the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, the deployment of observers, and irregularities during vote counting — create an impression that the Election Commission is, in some way, aiding the ruling party.
While campaigning in Bihar’s Kosi Graduate MLC constituency in Supaul, he told reporters that the poll panel often appears to be aiding the ruling dispensation, and that growing public mistrust is not limited to any single political formation. He also weighed in on the ongoing protests around allegations of “vote theft,” arguing that public dissatisfaction over the electoral process will persist until credible and transparent reforms are implemented.
Demands for the CEC’s resignation
Kishor has demanded that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar step down. He also criticised former Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, pointing out that he was appointed chairman of HDFC immediately after retiring from the poll body.
The Jan Suraaj founder’s remarks come amid sustained opposition pressure on the poll panel, with INDIA bloc leaders holding demonstrations in the national capital and demanding the CEC’s resignation over electoral roll revisions.
Poll pledges: Seventh Pay Commission and jobs for youth
Alongside his attack on the Commission, Kishor announced key electoral pledges while campaigning for the Bihar Legislative Council elections. He guaranteed that the Seventh Pay Commission scale would be implemented for all categories of teachers in Bihar — school teachers, niyojit teachers, madrasa and Sanskrit teachers — ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
He further pledged that Jan Suraaj would facilitate private sector employment for 10,000 qualified local youth based on merit if the party’s candidate is elected from the constituency.
Opposition pressure mounts on the poll panel
Kishor’s remarks add to the sustained pressure on the Election Commission from opposition parties. INDIA bloc leaders have been holding demonstrations in the national capital demanding the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation over electoral roll revisions, including a peaceful tribute at Raj Ghat attended by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Separately, protests organised by Citizens for Justice and Peace at Jantar Mantar have kept the issue of electoral fairness in the spotlight. Kishor has said that public trust in the Commission and the electoral process has eroded over the years, and that such movements will only grow unless comprehensive and transparent reforms are carried out.
Bihar MLC elections on October 23
The Bihar Legislative Council elections are scheduled for October 23, covering eight seats across graduate and teacher constituencies. Jan Suraaj has fielded Anuj Kumar Singh from the Patna Graduate constituency, setting up a direct contest against the NDA/JD(U) candidate Neeraj Kumar.
Kishor, who is also the Bankipur MLA, said teachers and graduates are among the most aware and educated sections of society and would vote for change. He asserted that teachers are demanding respect, a better education system and the seventh pay scale, while graduate youth want employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Prashant Kishor say about the Election Commission?
While campaigning in Bihar, Kishor alleged that the Election Commission often appears to aid the ruling party, and said protests would be inevitable if the poll body failed to discharge its responsibilities honestly.
What pledges did Prashant Kishor announce for Bihar teachers?
Kishor guaranteed the Seventh Pay Commission scale for all categories of Bihar teachers — school, niyojit, madrasa and Sanskrit teachers — ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
When are the Bihar MLC elections being held?
The Bihar Legislative Council elections for eight graduate and teacher constituency seats are scheduled for October 23.
Who is Jan Suraaj’s candidate for the Patna Graduate seat?
Jan Suraaj has fielded Anuj Kumar Singh from the Patna Graduate constituency, where he faces the NDA/JD(U) candidate Neeraj Kumar.
