Our Political Desk
Political strategist Prashant Kishor, once hailed for his innovative election campaigns, has now officially transitioned from the role of a behind-the-scenes operator to a full-fledged political actor.
The formation of his new political party ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections has stirred a wave of media attention, not only for the move itself but for the provocative allegations he has made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kishor’s assertion that Modi has diverted the country’s entire wealth to Gujarat seems aimed at capturing headlines, but on closer inspection, it raises questions about the credibility of his political messaging.
Kishor’s allegation that the wealth of the nation has been siphoned to Modi’s home state, Gujarat, is both inflammatory and unsubstantiated. It appears that Kishor is attempting to replicate the kind of rhetoric that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has often been criticized for—making sweeping claims without providing documentary evidence to back them up. This begs the question: Is Kishor’s strategy driven by the need to challenge Modi and Shah on emotional grounds rather than based on facts?
In any democratic setup, criticism is essential, and questioning the leadership is a fundamental part of political discourse. However, making such allegations without any proof diminishes the seriousness of the critique. Kishor, who has built a reputation as a “celebrity strategist,” should know better than anyone that the electorate is not easily swayed by unsubstantiated accusations. In fact, these types of remarks could risk backfiring, allowing the Modi-Shah machinery to further consolidate its support by framing itself as a victim of baseless attacks.
If we scrutinize Kishor’s claim more closely, it does not hold up against the evidence of development across the nation. While Gujarat has indeed seen significant economic growth, it is by no means the only state benefiting from the current government’s policies. Uttar Pradesh, for example, has emerged as a significant growth engine. With a population of over 25 crores, Uttar Pradesh is not just India’s largest state but also the most populous country subdivision globally. Despite the challenges associated with its massive size, Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a surge in industrial development, infrastructure expansion, and improved governance, all under the BJP’s leadership.
The transformation of Uttar Pradesh, along with other BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Assam, undercuts Kishor’s claim that the country’s wealth is being disproportionately diverted to Gujarat. If anything, these examples suggest that the BJP has adopted a broad-based development model, targeting economic and social reforms across various regions, irrespective of their proximity to Gujarat.
In contrast, many opposition-ruled states, including Kerala, Telangana, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh, have been slower to witness the same levels of growth. These states often blame the central government for not releasing sufficient funds, but this narrative has been increasingly debunked. The reality is more nuanced—many of these states have pursued populist policies that prioritize short-term political gains over long-term economic stability. Freebie culture and appeasement tactics, while popular among certain segments of the electorate, have taken a toll on the economic health of states like West Bengal and Kerala.
Take Telangana, for instance. despite its initial growth spurt after its formation, the state has struggled with fiscal discipline. The government’s heavy borrowing for welfare schemes has raised concerns about its long-term financial sustainability. Similarly, Kerala’s overreliance on remittances from the Gulf and its inability to diversify its economy have left the state vulnerable to economic shocks, a fact underscored by the financial crisis it faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By levelling such accusations, Prashant Kishor appears to be adopting a playbook often used by politicians looking for immediate media attention. But the question remains: What is his long-term strategy? If his goal is to provide a viable alternative to the BJP in Bihar, he will need more than baseless claims to sway voters. Bihar, like Uttar Pradesh, has seen significant developmental efforts under the BJP-JD(U) coalition, particularly in terms of infrastructure, rural electrification, and social welfare schemes.
Furthermore, Kishor has positioned himself as someone with deep insights into the minds of voters, thanks to his work as a political consultant. But shifting from being a strategist to becoming a political leader requires more than tactical knowledge; it requires vision, credibility, and the ability to articulate a clear and constructive plan for governance. So far, Kishor’s approach seems more geared towards sensationalism than substance.
Kishor’s decision to target Narendra Modi with such sensational allegations also highlights the larger challenge facing any opposition figure in today’s political climate—the sheer dominance of the Modi-Shah juggernaut. Modi’s popularity, bolstered by his government’s achievements in national security, economic reforms, and social welfare, remains high. For a fledgling political party like Kishor’s, challenging this narrative will require a far more sophisticated and credible approach than what has been demonstrated thus far.
The Bihar elections will serve as a litmus test for Kishor’s political ambitions. If he continues down the path of relying on media gimmicks and unproven allegations, his party risks being relegated to the margins of political relevance. However, if he can pivot towards offering substantive policy alternatives and addressing the real concerns of Bihar’s voters, he may stand a chance of carving out a meaningful space for himself in the state’s complex political landscape.
Prashant Kishor’s new political venture, marked by his allegations against Prime Minister Modi, seems to reflect more of a media strategy than a genuine political vision. The claim that Gujarat has disproportionately benefited under Modi’s rule does not hold up against the broader picture of development across India. If Kishor is to succeed in Bihar, he will need to move beyond empty rhetoric and present a compelling and evidence-based argument for why voters should place their trust in him over the BJP. As it stands, his strategy appears more like a political stunt than a well-thought-out campaign.
