Prashant Kishor says not floating new party, announces ‘padyatra’
PATNA: Election strategist Prashant Kishor on Thursday announced he will begin a 3,000-km foot march from Bihar’s West Champaran on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) even as he was not floating a political party, for now, days after his cryptic tweet about going directly to the people created a buzz in political circles. He said Bihar needs a new order and added it is not necessary to contest elections alone for this.
Kishor said he will meet around 17,000 people from different fields and take their views on taking Bihar forward over the next three to four months. “If they decide to have a political party or organisation, then we will take a call by August-september,” he said, adding that he will not be the proposed party’s all in all. “It is going to be a collective effort.”
Kishor referred to his march from West Champaran, where Mahatma Gandhi launched his resistance against the British in 1917, and said Bihar has a very rich history. He added the march will help him connect with people and understand the ground realities. Kishor said any decision on floating the party will be taken only after meeting people who share the same thoughts about Jan Suraj (good governance). BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand said Kishor is trying to enhance his image and political branding. “...Bihar is not a fool’s paradise. People know everything. He is being promoted by some political parties,” said Anand. RJD leader Mritunjay Tiwary said everybody has the right to form a party.