Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Friday announced that he will donate 90 per cent of his income over the next five years to fund his party’s campaign. The declaration comes just days after the newly launched party suffered a major setback in its debut Bihar assembly elections, failing to win a single seat despite an energetic start to its campaign.
Addressing reporters after a day-long silent fast at the Gandhi Ashram in West Champaran, Kishor also accused the newly formed Nitish Kumar cabinet of being packed with tainted leaders. “The new cabinet of Nitish Kumar, which took oath on Thursday, is full of corrupts and criminals. I must say that this council of ministers is a slap in the face of the people of Bihar. It’s like rubbing salt on the wound as several corrupt leaders were inducted,” he alleged.
Kishor further claimed the appointments show that “Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and CM Kumar are least concerned about Bihar.” He also accused the ruling alliance of buying votes through cash transfers. “They have purchased votes by transferring Rs 10,000 into the bank account of more than 1 crore women. Now, they have no concern for the state or the people,” he said, adding, “If I am saying anything wrong, the state government can put me behind bars.”
According to him, funds meant for the state’s contingency reserve and a World Bank grant were diverted for the cash transfer scheme. Kishor vowed that his party would ensure women receive the Rs 2 lakh promised by the NDA. “Now, we will ensure that women get Rs 2 lakh as promised by the NDA ahead of the polls,” he said.
Kishor also announced the launch of the ‘Bihar Navnirman Sankalp Yatra’ beginning January 15, during which Jan Suraaj workers will visit every household across the state. “We will visit all houses in the state over 15-18 months and create awareness among the people about the misdeeds of this government. The organisation of the Jan Suraaj Party will be strengthened before the campaign starts,” he said.
Reiterating his personal commitment, Kishor said, “Besides, whatever assets I have acquired in the last 20 years, except my Delhi house, I will donate those for the party.” He appealed to supporters to contribute as well, saying, “Now, I request the people of Bihar to donate just Rs 1,000 to the party on a yearly basis. I will not meet anyone who doesn’t donate this amount to the party.”
Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, Kishor said he remains determined. “We will change the government. They tried to break our morale in this election. We will fight and win,” he said.
