Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj to contest Bihar Assembly polls under ‘School Bag’ symbol

In a major announcement ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party will contest all 243 seats using the “school bag” as its official symbol. Kishor, known for his work as a political strategist, is now stepping firmly into the electoral arena. His goal is clear: to challenge the existing political structure and offer an alternative based on governance, education, and opportunity.

Why the ‘School Bag’ Symbol?

The school bag is more than just an election symbol. It reflects Kishor’s focus on education as the foundation of a better Bihar. He stated that for over 35 years, Bihar’s children have lost their chance to carry school bags. Instead, many of them were forced to carry tools and join the workforce early.

Kishor claims that both Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar failed to provide quality education. In his view, this failure led to widespread poverty, youth unemployment, and mass migration from the state.

The Rise of Jan Suraaj

Founded in 2024, Jan Suraaj is still a new party. Yet, it has already drawn attention, especially from Bihar’s youth and middle class. Kishor spent years touring the state through his Jan Suraaj Yatra. During this journey, he listened to people in every district and gathered ideas to shape his party’s vision.

Though Jan Suraaj did not win any seats in the November 2024 bypolls, the party used those contests to build awareness and prepare for the full Assembly election.

Education at the Core

Education sits at the center of Jan Suraaj’s agenda. The party promises to:

• Upgrade government schools with better infrastructure
• Hire qualified teachers and improve training
• Offer digital tools and internet access to rural students
• Provide vocational training linked to jobs
• Reduce child labor by helping poor families financially

Kishor believes that focusing on education can reduce migration and unemployment. He sees this as the first step toward long-term development.

Positioning Against Rivals

Kishor has repeatedly said that Jan Suraaj is not here to play a supporting role. He plans to make the party a main player, especially against the NDA (National Democratic Alliance). He also suggests that RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) no longer holds the strength it once did. According to him, the next election will be a direct contest between Jan Suraaj and the NDA.

He blames both major alliances for Bihar’s problems. In his speeches, he accuses them of relying too much on caste politics and ignoring real development issues. He often says, “Bihar is not poor. It is poorly governed.”

The Bigger Challenge

Despite strong messaging, Jan Suraaj faces serious challenges. It lacks a fixed voter base, unlike established parties. Building a full campaign team across all 243 constituencies is a massive task. The party also has fewer resources compared to the NDA and RJD.

Still, the momentum behind Kishor is real. His direct way of speaking, clear focus on governance, and appeal to the youth could help the party grow rapidly.

Why This Election Matters

The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections could be a turning point. Kishor is not just asking for votes. He’s asking voters to imagine a new kind of politics—one that prioritizes education, jobs, and local development over identity-based appeals.

His campaign puts education at the front of the conversation. The school bag stands as a powerful image: it reminds people of what children need to succeed, and what generations have lost.

If Jan Suraaj gains ground, it could shift the political landscape in Bihar. The party’s performance will also be a signal to other states where voters want a break from traditional politics.

A School Bag Full of Hope

In Bihar, symbols matter. The lantern, the arrow, and the lotus each tell a political story. Now, the school bag joins that list. It brings with it a message of hope, dignity, and possibility.

Prashant Kishor has taken a bold step. Whether voters embrace this new path will be seen soon. But one thing is clear—the 2025 election will not just be about politics. It will be a battle of ideas, and the future of Bihar’s youth may hang in the balance.