Bihar Elections 2025: Jan Suraaj Candidate Sanjay Singh Joins BJP Ahead of First Phase Polling

A dramatic political shift unfolded just hours before the first phase of polling in the Bihar Assembly elections, as Jan Suraaj candidate Sanjay Singh from Munger abandoned his party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The defection, coming on Wednesday, has significantly reshaped the electoral battlefield, transforming what was seen as a three-cornered fight into a direct clash between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan.

BJP Gains Last-Minute Boost in Munger

Sanjay Singh took BJP membership in the presence of the party's Munger candidate Kumar Pranay and extended his support to the NDA alliance. His sudden decision to withdraw from the race and cross over to the rival camp has not only surprised political observers but also given the NDA a morale boost on the eve of polling.

"Considering the current political situation and circumstances, I am extending my support to ensure NDA's victory. I will work to help them win, and I am confident they will win by a large margin of votes," Singh said after joining the BJP.

Locals in Munger now see the contest as a straight fight between the NDA and the RJD-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan, with Jan Suraaj effectively out of the picture.

Bihar Will Rise Under Modi and Nitish

After switching allegiance, Singh praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, saying their combined governance had laid a foundation for Bihar's progress.

"I believe that Bihar will rise to new heights under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar," he said.

When asked about his decision to quit Jan Suraaj, Singh explained that while the movement had good intentions, it lacked the kind of leadership needed to bring about tangible transformation. "The idea behind Jan Suraaj is good and resonates among the public, but for bringing real change, a firm and robust leadership is required, which the former is unlikely to provide," he remarked.

Major Blow to Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj

Sanjay Singh's exit comes as a serious setback for Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, which has already been grappling with internal instability. In October, three other candidates from the party representing Danapur, Brahmapur, and Gopalganj had withdrawn from the race.

The defection a day before polling is expected to intensify tensions between Jan Suraaj and the BJP. The Kishor-led outfit is likely to accuse the BJP of pressuring its candidates to back out through political intimidation.

Earlier, Kishor had alleged that the BJP was using coercive tactics to obstruct Jan Suraaj's candidates from contesting, claiming the ruling alliance feared the rising public response to his movement.

Polling to Begin Amid Political Turbulence

With campaigning for the first phase already concluded on Tuesday, 121 constituencies across 18 districts will go to the polls on Thursday. The sudden political twist in Munger adds a layer of unpredictability to the contest, as Bihar braces for a crucial electoral showdown that could set the tone for the rest of the Assembly race.