HAJIPUR, Oct 17: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Saturday described former chief minister Nitish Kumar as one of Bihar's top ten political leaders, even as he reiterated a sharp critique that the government was effectively run by intermediaries or "proxies" rather than by the leader himself.
Endorsement with reservation
Addressing reporters in Hajipur during campaigning for the forthcoming Legislative Council elections, Kishor combined praise for Nitish Kumar's long-term contribution to the state's development with a pointed allegation about the manner in which power was exercised towards the end of his tenure.
"As far as Nitish Kumar is concerned, I consider him as one of the most sensible politicians of Bihar. He will be counted among the 10 all-time best political leaders of the state," Kishor said, while adding that the government had been "run through proxies."
Kishor's remarks, carried by Press Trust of India, revisit a sensitive theme in Bihar politics: questions over leadership, influence and the real locus of executive decision-making when senior leaders are perceived to be indisposed or delegating authority.
Context and immediate triggers
The comments came after journalists asked Kishor about a separate development: a controversial statement by Mokama MLA Anant Kumar Singh, who later retracted remarks alleging multiple murders linked to political rivalries. Kishor said the issue should be pursued by the parties involved and made clear that his Jan Suraaj Party had no role to play in that particular controversy.
He also raised a distinct demand regarding the victims of the recent Vaishali boat tragedy, urging that affected families be supported — a plea that points to ongoing concerns about safety, compensation and relief in the aftermath of accidents in Bihar's riverine districts.
Electoral backdrop
Kishor, 49, is a former national vice-president of the Janata Dal (United) and led Nitish Kumar's Assembly election campaign in 2015 through his consultancy. His current interventions occur against the backdrop of realignments and contests ahead of the Legislative Council polls, where messaging about governance, leadership and welfare remains central to campaign narratives.
| Point | Kishor's Position |
|---|---|
| Legacy of Nitish Kumar | Will rank among Bihar's top 10 leaders |
| Running of government | Alleged to be managed by "proxies" |
| Vaishali boat tragedy | Demanded support for affected families |
What Kishor did not say
On the question raised about whether Nitish Kumar could have ordered killings of political adversaries — prompted by Anant Singh's withdrawn remark — Kishor avoided direct accusation. He noted that the matter belonged to the political parties involved, and said his party had nothing to add on that issue.
Local resonance
In Hajipur and neighbouring constituencies, assessments of Nitish Kumar's tenure often mix acknowledgement of infrastructure and social-sector initiatives with criticism over governance style and coalition dynamics. Kishor's balanced framing — praise coupled with critique — is likely to be read as an attempt to strike a political chord with voters who value administrative achievements but also worry about transparency and accountability.
- Political legacy: Kishor acknowledges Kumar's developmental credentials.
- Governance concern: Allegation that proxies ran the government signals unease about concentration of power.
- Welfare demand: Call for assistance to Vaishali boat tragedy families highlights continued focus on relief measures.
The Legislative Council elections will provide an early test of how such narratives play out on the ground. For now, Kishor's comments add to a running public debate in Bihar over leadership, the mechanics of power and obligations to those affected by local disasters.
Reporting from Hajipur will continue to track reactions from the JD(U), RJD and other local parties, and monitor whether Kishor's remarks prompt rebuttals or broader discussion within party fora.
