Key Points
- PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Bihar ahead of assembly elections scheduled for late 2025.
- Jan Suraj Party founder Prashant Kishore criticized Modi for focusing on Pakistan instead of Bihar’s development issues.
- This marks Modi’s fourth visit to Bihar in 2025, with Patna decorated under Operation Sindoor theme.
- Kishore demanded answers on education, employment, and migration issues plaguing Bihar.
- Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
- The Indian Army destroyed 9 terror hideouts in Pakistan and PoK under the operation.
Patna: As Bihar gears up for crucial assembly elections later this year, political temperatures are soaring with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in the state capital for a two-day visit. However, it was Jan Suraj Party founder Prashant Kishore who stole the spotlight with his sharp critique of the PM’s campaign strategy.
Kishore’s Direct Challenge to Modi
During PM Modi’s roadshow in Patna, Prashant Kishore launched a scathing attack on what he termed the Prime Minister’s misplaced priorities. “What does Bihar election have to do with Pakistan? The election is in Patna, not India-Pakistan. Don’t fool people,” Kishore declared, addressing the crowd with characteristic directness.
The political strategist-turned-politician didn’t stop there. He acknowledged Modi’s role in national security but demanded focus on local issues: “You were made PM to fight Pakistan. Fight Pakistan and China, the country is with you. But at this time the election is in Bihar.”
Bihar’s Real Issues Take Center Stage
Kishore raised pointed questions about Bihar’s chronic problems that have persisted for decades:
- Education Crisis: “When will there be proper education in Bihar?”
- Youth Unemployment: “When will the youth get employment in Bihar?”
- Migration Exodus: “When will our migration from Bihar stop?”
These questions strike at the heart of Bihar’s development challenges, where millions of young people migrate to other states in search of work and educational opportunities.
Modi’s Fourth Bihar Visit This Year
This marks PM Modi’s fourth visit to Bihar since January 2025, underscoring the state’s political importance for the ruling BJP. Previous visits have consistently highlighted India’s military operations, particularly Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.
The entire city of Patna has been decorated with Operation Sindoor themes, with videos of the elaborate arrangements going viral on social media platforms. The visual messaging clearly aims to project strength and national security credentials ahead of the polls.
Operation Sindoor: The Backdrop
The political rhetoric around Operation Sindoor stems from the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives in Jammu and Kashmir. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, during which the Indian Army successfully destroyed nine terror hideouts across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Electoral Implications
Kishore’s intervention represents a strategic attempt to shift the electoral narrative from national security to local governance and development. As the founder of Jan Suraj Party, he’s positioning himself as the voice of Bihar’s aspirations, challenging both the ruling NDA and opposition parties to address ground-level issues.
The exchange highlights the broader debate in Indian politics about balancing national security messaging with regional development concerns, particularly in states like Bihar where poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits remain pressing challenges.
As Bihar prepares for assembly elections, Prashant Kishore’s direct challenge to PM Modi reflects the growing demand for development-focused politics over security rhetoric. The confrontation sets the stage for an intense electoral battle where local issues may prove as crucial as national narratives.
