Image Caption: Prashant Kishor’s educational background and career path.
Prashant Kishor, affectionately known as PK, has solidified his reputation as one of India’s most impactful political strategists. He recently unveiled his own political party, Jan Suraaj, in Bihar, signifying a notable shift from a behind-the-scenes advisor to a direct participant in politics. This new party is poised to contest all 243 seats in the forthcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, marking a pivotal moment in Kishor’s distinguished career.
Before his direct foray into politics, Kishor dedicated several years to public health, gaining substantial experience through eight years of UN-funded programs. This period was crucial in developing the exceptional organizational and strategic acumen that would later become hallmarks of his political campaigns.
Early Life and Education
Hailing from Konar village in Bihar’s Rohtas district, Prashant Kishor was born in Sasaram. He completed his secondary education in Buxar. His father, Shrikant Pandey, a physician, and his mother, Sushila Pandey, a homemaker, provided a supportive environment for his early studies. It was this strong academic foundation, coupled with his early experiences in public health, that initially guided his career path before his eventual leap into the political landscape.
From Public Health to Political Strategist
Kishor’s professional journey commenced in public health, where he spent years managing United Nations-backed programs. This period, lasting until 2011, honed his skills in meticulous planning, effective program implementation, and community outreach. He subsequently pivoted to political strategy, initially lending his expertise to the BJP’s campaign in the 2012 Gujarat Legislative Assembly election, all without officially holding a party position.
In 2013, anticipating the 2014 Lok Sabha election, Kishor co-founded Citizens for Accountable Governance (CAG), a firm specializing in media and publicity. He was instrumental in Narendra Modi’s campaign, pioneering innovative approaches like “Chai Pe Charcha” discussions, advanced 3D rallies, the “Run for Unity” initiative, and “Manthan” sessions, complemented by robust social media strategies. These efforts were crucial in securing an absolute majority for the BJP in the 2014 general election.
Expanding Political Influence Across States
Building on his initial triumphs, Kishor expanded his political consultancy, collaborating with various parties nationwide. He was instrumental in Nitish Kumar’s Mahagathbandhan’s win in Bihar in 2015, eventually joining the JD(U) as vice-president in 2018. His strategic counsel extended to the Indian National Congress, Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Amarinder Singh in Punjab, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in Andhra Pradesh, Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC), and M.K. Stalin’s Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
Retirement and New Political Journey
Following the 2021 West Bengal and Tamil Nadu elections, Kishor declared his departure from political strategy. However, by 2022, he signaled his intention to form his own political party and subsequently embarked on an extensive 3,000 km “padyatra” (foot march) across Bihar. This culminated on October 2, 2024, with the formal launch of the Jan Suraaj Party, officially marking his entry into direct electoral politics, though he personally will not be contesting any seats.
Prashant Kishor’s remarkable journey, from a public health professional with UN training to becoming India’s foremost political strategist, exemplifies a career underpinned by meticulous strategic planning, exceptional organizational prowess, and profound political foresight. His diverse background continues to shape his distinct approach to the complex landscape of Indian politics.