The party focuses on balanced representation and support for communities affected by past communal violence in Bihar
PATNA — The Jan Suraaj Party, led by political strategist Prashant Kishore, on Monday released its second list of candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The list includes 13 prominent Muslim leaders across key constituencies. The announcement comes days after the party unveiled its first list of 66 candidates, which included seven Muslims.
Prashant Kishore, announcing the list, emphasised the party’s commitment to inclusive politics. He said, “In both lists, we have kept all communities in mind. Representation is not a token gesture—it is about ensuring every community has a voice in governance.”
The second list surprised many political observers with the inclusion of Abhaykant Jha from the Bhagalpur Assembly constituency. Kishore highlighted Jha’s long-standing service to the Muslim community, saying, “Abhaykant had not entered politics for 75 years, but today he is joining Jan Suraaj and will be our candidate from Bhagalpur. He has fought for the Muslim community affected by the riots in Bhagalpur without expecting anything in return.”
Other Muslim candidates fielded in the second list include Naz Ahmed (Kesaria), Dr Sahnawaz (Barharia), Amir Haider (Bahadurpur), Iftikar Alam (Gaura Bauram), Azam Hussain Anwar (Bajpatti), Ziauddin Khan (Sitamarhi), Ikramul Haq (Thakurganj), Ejaz Ahmed Siddiqui (Goriyakothi), Ashab Alam (Balrampur), Mohd Shahryar (Kadwa), Dr Ghazi Shariq (Katihar), Ittifaq Alam (Kasba), and former DSP Nasrullah Khan (Nokha).
Political analysts note that Jan Suraaj’s approach differs from other parties in Bihar, with a clear attempt to balance representation and include communities historically affected by communal tensions. Local resident and voter, Farah Bano, welcomed the announcement, saying, “It is encouraging to see our leaders being given a chance. Communities that were affected in the past now have representatives who understand their concerns.”
Another observer, community activist Abdul Rahman, added, “This is a positive step for Bihar’s politics. Representation matters, and seeing capable Muslim leaders in key constituencies ensures that minority voices are part of the decision-making process.”
Jan Suraaj has now set the stage for a politically charged election season, with the second list reinforcing the party’s image as inclusive and focused on bridging community divides. Analysts suggest that the emphasis on minority representation could influence voter sentiment in constituencies with a significant Muslim population.
As campaigning intensifies, all eyes will be on how these candidates engage with local issues, communal harmony, and development priorities, particularly in areas previously affected by communal violence.
