Dalit Leader Manoj Kumar Bharti to Head Jan Suraj Party: Prashant Kishore Masterstroke

Patna:Marking a significant development in Bihar's political landscape, Prashant Kishore's Jan Suraj Party officially took shape on Wednesday. The Election Commission of India recognized the party, and Kishore appointed retired Dalit diplomat Manoj Kumar Bharti, a 1988 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, as its first president.

Addressing a mammoth rally at Veterinary College grounds here,PK said Bharti had served as ambassadors in different countries,including Ukraine.The Election Commission of India has sent a letter recognising Jan Suraj Party as a political party.

Listing the agenda of the newly launched party,he said party is aimed at promoting and preserving Bihari identity( Ashmita)

Jan Suraj promises to lift the ban on liquor sales, citing economic benefits and job creation. The party vows to allocate the highest budget to education, aiming to improve Bihar's literacy rates. Jan Suraj seeks to preserve and promote Bihar's cultural heritage.The party will contest all 243 assembly seats in next year's elections.Jan Suraj will participate in the upcoming by-elections for four assembly seats.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and opposition parties have taken note of Jan Suraj's entry. "This is a significant development, but we'll wait to see how the party performs," said a JD(U) spokesperson.

Profile: Manoj Kumar Bharti

A seasoned diplomat, Bharti served in various capacities, including:

- Ambassador to Ukraine (2010-2013)

- High Commissioner to Nigeria (2006-2009)

- Consul General in Johannesburg, South Africa (2003-2006)

Bharti's appointment is seen as a strategic move to attract Dalit votes and bring diplomatic expertise to the party.

Prashant Kishore's Vision:

"Jan Suraj is committed to bringing positive change to Bihar. Our agenda focuses on education, employment, and preserving Bihari identity," Kishore said, emphasizing his party's commitment to inclusive growth.

As Jan Suraj Party embarks on its political journey, Bihar's voters will watch closely to see how it delivers on its promises.