One Meeting Doesn't Change Anything: Prashant Kishor on His Interaction With Samrat Chaudhary

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has dismissed speculation surrounding his recent meeting with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, making it clear that the interaction does not indicate any change in their political relationship. Kishor said the meeting was simply a matter of social courtesy and would not affect his criticism of the Chief Minister.

The two leaders met at a ceremony organised in Patna in memory of former Rajya Sabha MP and senior BJP leader RK Sinha, who passed away on October 30. Photographs and videos of their interaction, including a handshake and brief conversation, circulated on social media, prompting questions about whether the meeting signalled a possible thaw in their political differences. Speaking to reporters on Friday, November 13, Kishor explained that both leaders were attending the same religious gathering and that exchanging greetings on such occasions was a normal social practice. He indicated that there was no political significance behind the interaction.

Taking a sarcastic dig at Chaudhary, Kishor said that meeting someone just once would not change his assessment of that person. Referring to his earlier criticism of the Chief Ministers educational qualifications, he remarked that a single meeting would not turn someone he had described as having failed Class 7 into a PhD holder. He also made it clear that a handshake would not make him withdraw his previous allegations or change his political position.

Kishor further maintained that his opposition to political leaders should not be interpreted as personal hostility. Referring to his previous association with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, he said that although he had worked with the JD(U) leader in the past and later opposed him politically, he did not consider their differences a personal dispute. He also referred to RJD chief Lalu Prasad, saying his political campaign was not directed against any particular individual, caste, community or political party. According to Kishor, his larger objective is to bring changes to Bihars governance and development. He has repeatedly highlighted unemployment, migration, education and healthcare as major challenges that need urgent attention from the state government.

During his interaction with reporters, Kishor also raised concerns about Bihars recurring flood problem ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis scheduled visit to the state on November 21. He argued that the government should focus on finding a permanent solution to flooding rather than concentrating only on infrastructure announcements involving roads and railway projects.

Claiming that nearly 50 lakh people had been affected by recent floods, Kishor said the Prime Minister should explain what concrete measures the Centre and the state government intend to take to prevent recurring devastation. He also recalled election campaign promises made by Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding a lasting solution to Bihars flood crisis. Kishor argued that infrastructure development would have limited impact unless the state also addressed the problems of unemployment and migration. A large number of workers from Bihar continue to travel to other states in search of better livelihood opportunities, making employment generation one of the most important issues in the states political debate.

He also commented on Congress leader Rahul Gandhis allegations concerning telephone surveillance. Kishor said phone tapping was not a new issue and referred to the controversy surrounding Pegasus spyware. He claimed that his own name had appeared on a list released during that controversy, bringing attention to wider concerns about privacy and surveillance. Kishor visited different localities in his Bankipur Assembly constituency during Nahay-Khay, marking the beginning of the four-day Chhath festival. He interacted with residents and devotees in areas including Krishna Puri, Anand Puri, SK Puri, Pehalwan Ghat, Buddha Colony, Langar Toli and Nala Road. He also extended greetings to people celebrating the festival.

The meeting between Kishor and Chaudhary has attracted attention because of their history of political disagreements. However, Kishors clarification suggests that cordial interactions at public and religious gatherings should not be mistaken for political reconciliation. The Jan Suraaj founder has indicated that his criticism of the Bihar government will continue despite the brief exchange with the Chief Minister.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.