The Jan Suraaj Party (JSP), founded by political strategist Prashant Kishor, is facing growing criticism ahead of the November 13 Bihar Assembly bypolls. The party's decision to field three candidates with pending criminal cases has raised eyebrows, especially as it contradicts Kishor's previous commitment to promote candidates with a “clean image”.

Three JSP Candidates with Criminal Records

The three controversial candidates, contesting for the Tarari, Ramgarh, and Belaganj Assembly seats, all have ongoing criminal cases. This comes after the bypolls were necessitated following the election of their respective MLAs to the Lok Sabha in the recent elections. Critics have questioned the party's integrity and commitment to reforming Bihar politics, as these candidates' backgrounds contrast with Kishor’s promises during his campaign for a cleaner, more transparent political system.

Mohammad Amjad: Criminal Cases and Controversial Past

One of the most notable candidates from the JSP, Mohammad Amjad (55), running for the Belaganj Assembly seat, has five pending FIRs against him. These charges, spanning from 1995 to 2022, include serious allegations such as attempt to murder, breach of public peace, and criminal intimidation. Despite this, Amjad remains a prominent figure in the area. His education level is listed as Class 10, and he has a history of contesting elections unsuccessfully, including losing the 2010 election in Belaganj by a narrow margin of 4,500 votes.

Interestingly, Amjad was not the initially announced candidate for Belaganj. Mohammad Khilafat Hussain, an academic, was originally chosen by the JSP, but after pressure from his supporters, Amjad replaced Hussain as the candidate. This sudden change has further fueled the controversy surrounding his candidacy and raised questions about the party's internal decision-making process.

Criticism of Prashant Kishor's Promise of a 'Clean Image'

Prashant Kishor, who has long criticized the political establishment for its corruption and criminal elements, promised a “clean image” for candidates fielded by the Jan Suraaj Party. However, the recent revelations about these candidates with criminal backgrounds have undermined that promise. Political observers are questioning whether Kishor's principles have been compromised as his party approaches the crucial bypolls.

The situation has sparked a political debate in Bihar, with critics arguing that this move not only undermines Kishor’s credibility but also reflects poorly on his vision for political reform in the state. His party’s lack of transparency in selecting candidates is becoming a major point of contention.

Bypolls in Bihar: A Crucial Test for JSP's Credibility

The November 13 bypolls are seen as a significant test for the JSP, especially after it was formed to bring a fresh political approach to Bihar. With candidates like Amjad facing serious allegations, the party’s image and integrity are being put under the microscope.

The Bigger Picture: Political Reforms or Political Expediency?

As the bypolls approach, the focus will be on whether Prashant Kishor’s party can live up to its promises or whether it will follow the same path as traditional political parties. While Kishor has advocated for clean politics, his party’s current stance raises serious questions about whether the JSP is ready to lead the charge for political reform in Bihar or if it is willing to bend its own rules for political expediency.

Key Takeaways:

• Three of the JSP’s four bypoll candidates have pending criminal cases.
• Mohammad Amjad, candidate for Belaganj, faces five serious criminal charges, including attempt to murder.
• Critics question Prashant Kishor’s commitment to clean politics after the party's controversial candidate selections.
• The November 13 Bihar bypolls will be a major test for the Jan Suraaj Party's credibility.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Bihar bypolls and Prashant Kishor’s political journey.