Patna: In a significant outreach to the Muslim community, Jan Suraj Party leader Prashant Kishor addressed the Bihar Badlaav Sammelan held at Haj Bhawan in Patna on August 16. The event drew over 50 Muslim intellectuals, including professors, teachers, and social workers, highlighting the community’s growing political engagement. More than 250 attendees enrolled as members of Jan Suraj, signaling a shift in Bihar’s political landscape.
Kishor emphasized the pivotal role of Muslims in his party’s vision, noting that over 1.25 crore people are connected to Jan Suraj, with substantial contributions from the Muslim society. He criticized the community’s past exploitation, likening it to “burning like the oil in a lantern” for other parties, but predicted an end to this era. “The light is about to fade,” he declared, referring to waning support for traditional alliances like the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan.
Challenging the Mahagathbandhan to provide “uchet pratinidhitva” (fair representation) to Muslims, Kishor announced a bold strategy: Jan Suraj would field Hindu candidates in constituencies where the alliance nominates Muslims, aiming to disrupt vote banks and promote equitable politics. He urged Muslims not to fear amid citizenship concerns, citing the Supreme Court’s assurance of opportunities to prove citizenship.
Kishor outlined a path to defeat the BJP, stating that securing just 20% of the 50% anti-BJP Hindu voters would ensure victory. The event, moderated by Tariq Anwar Champaaran and Abu Afan Faruqui, featured prominent figures like MLC Afaque Ahmad, Sarwar Ali, and Dr. Shah Nawaz. Attendees praised the focus on Muslim empowerment, viewing it as a call for self-reliance in Bihar’s polarized politics.
This gathering demonstrates the rising demand for Muslim votes in Bihar where they constitute 17% of the voter base.
