Poll Strategist Prashant Kishor Slams Nitish, Announces Youth Mobilisation Campaign In Bihar

Patna: Poll strategist Prashant Kishor, announced a mass youth mobilisation drive, "Baat Bihar Ki" which would involve millions of youth from Bihar. Kishor, who was recently expelled from Nitish Kumar's JDU for openly opposing CAA and NRC, clarified at a media meet on Tuesday that his campaign was apolitical.

Hitting out the Bihar chief minister, Nitish Kumar, the poll strategist pointed out that the alliance with BJP has not helped Bihar. Prashant Kishor wondered at what cost Nitish Kumar wished to have an alliance with the BJP and asked whether it was only to stay in power.

Prashant Kishor clarified that he believed that that development did take place in Bihar under Nitish Kumar's leadership. However, the pace of development has not been satisfactory, he said pointing out that in terms of social and economic indicators, Bihar stands today in the same spot as it was in 2005.

Prashant Kishor agreed that every household gets electricity and Nitish Kumar needs to be commended for this, but at the same time, Bihar has the lowest household consumption of electricity (200 watts as opposed to 900 watts in the country). The poll strategist also remarked that highest number of the poor are to be found in Bihar. The state stood at number 22 in per capita income in 2005 and it is the same today, he said. Kishor said that this is true of industrialisation and urbanisation, as well.

Prashant Kishor observed that Nitish Kumar did not face any criticism on aspects of his governance. The time has come for people to ask Nitish Kumar as to what he would achieve over the next 10 years. Nitish should also spell out his roadmap for the future, he said.

Prashant Kishor vowed to work for the development of Bihar. He promised to dedicate himself to the cause of Bihar and carry along like-minded people with him from every village and town in Bihar. He asserted that he was not aiming to set up a political outfit, but empower young people who dream of a better Bihar. Prashant Kishor added--"If Nitish Kumar is ready to join our movement, he is welcome to do so."

Prashant Kishor announced that he would kick off his campaign on Thursday.