Prashant Kishor's 'Bihar Is In Deep S**t' Remark In US Sparks Row, Calls It 'Literally A Failed State'

Jan Suraaj leader and former political strategist Prashant Kishor has stirred controversy by describing Bihar as "literally a failed state" that is "in deep s**t," calling for extraordinary efforts to drive the state's development.

Kishor made these remarks during a virtual interaction with the Bihari diaspora in the United States after launching his party's US chapter.

Despite Jan Suraaj's poor performance in the recent Bihar Assembly by-elections, where it failed to secure a single seat and lost deposits in all but one constituency, Kishor expressed confidence in his party's chances of winning the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

Highlighting Bihar's challenges, Kishor remarked: "We have to realise that this (Bihar) is a state which is in deep s***. If Bihar were a country, it would be the 11th largest in the world in terms of population. We have just overtaken Japan in population."

He criticised the prevailing hopelessness in Bihar's society, attributing it to the constant struggle for survival, which he said overshadowed aspirations for progress.

Drawing parallels with failed states, he stated: "For example... sometimes we think... why are people in Sudan fighting for 20 years in a civil war? Because when you are in that failed state, then people are not worried about how our children will study. They are worried about whom to shoot and where to capture. That is the situation in Bihar too."

A Vision for Bihar

Despite his stark assessment, Kishor offered hope, asserting that Jan Suraaj's efforts over the past two and a half years could bring about change. He emphasised that achieving tangible governance outcomes would require time and sustained effort.

Outlining his priorities if Jan Suraaj forms the government in 2025, Kishor said the first focus would be on improving school education. He proposed funding this initiative by lifting the state-wide alcohol ban, which he described as ineffective and damaging to Bihar's revenue.

Speaking directly to the Bihari diaspora, Kishor urged them to move beyond discussions and actively contribute to the state's development. He stated bluntly: "I have not seen anything very tangible on the ground. Beyond sessions, I have not seen anything tangible. Ultimately, you don't do anything. Don't take it otherwise, but you don't."

Optimism for 2025 Elections

Despite Jan Suraaj's poor showing in the bypolls, Kishor remained optimistic about his party's future, asserting: "The Jan Suraaj will win in 2025. There is no doubt about it. (Based on my) electoral understanding, I can clearly see that we will win."

Acknowledging the challenges of turning Bihar into a middle-income state by 2029-2030, Kishor described it as an achievable milestone with consistent and dedicated effort.