By Vishwapati
Patna: Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraaj, today responded to Baba Bageshwar’s statement on Hindu Rashtra by asserting that no “Baba” runs the country. He emphasised that India is a democracy and that individuals are free to express their opinions. However, he clarified that the nation is governed by elected representatives, not by the dictates of any spiritual leader. “The country does not operate at the behest of any Baba. It is run by the representatives chosen by the people. The laws of the land are made in Parliament, not in the court of any Baba,” he stated.
During a press conference, Kishor highlighted that the recent Lok Sabha elections demonstrated that no one has the authority to alter the Constitution. “The people have made it clear through their votes that the Constitution is sacrosanct,” he said. He also questioned the BJP’s stance on Hindu Rashtra, asking why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah consistently affirm their commitment to the Constitution if the party supports such statements. “If the BJP has the courage, they should declare in Parliament that they will implement Hindu Rashtra,” he challenged.
Addressing a BJP MLA from Darbhanga’s remark that Muslims should not leave their homes during Holi, Kishor retorted sharply. “Is it the BJP MLA’s father’s rule that people must obey his words? Are BJP MLAs now ‘Lat Saheb’ that the public will follow their orders? It is for the public to decide what they wish to do,” he said.
Kishor also took aim at Tejashwi Yadav, accusing him of taking Muslim votes for granted. “He has developed a habit of scaring Muslims into voting for the RJD by claiming that the BJP will come to power if they don’t. However, Muslims have now seen an alternative in Jan Suraaj, which is why Tejashwi is making such statements. Muslims are the fuel for RJD’s lantern. The day Muslims abandon the RJD, the lantern will surely be extinguished,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Kishor commented on the political landscape of Darbhanga, often considered a BJP stronghold. He argued that the lack of viable alternatives had previously driven voters to support the BJP. “People had witnessed Lalu Yadav’s ‘jungle raj’ and, out of fear, voted for the BJP. But in this assembly, particularly in urban areas, there will be a direct contest between the BJP and Jan Suraaj,” he concluded.
(The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com)
