Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor has earlier been openly critical of the Congress party. While backing Rahul Gandhi on the SIR issue, he remained firm in opposing the party’s leadership and structure, often questioning its political direction.
Recent developments suggest a possible change in approach. Prashant Kishor reportedly met senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi at 10, Janpath, the official residence of Sonia Gandhi, last week, triggering speculation across political circles.
The meeting attracted attention from North Indian media channels. When questioned, Priyanka Gandhi dismissed its significance, stating personal meetings were irrelevant. Prashant Kishor, however, categorically denied that any such meeting took place.
Congress and Prashant Kishor had briefly worked together in the past. He played a key role in the Congress victory in Punjab in 2017, but differences emerged after the party’s defeat in the subsequent UP elections, with leaders accusing him of overreach.
Four years later, with UP elections approaching, Prashant Kishor again met Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Despite multiple discussions, no formal partnership emerged from those meetings.
Prashant Kishor later assessed that Congress needed major internal changes. This view did not sit well with the party’s old guard. In 2022, he clearly declined any formal role with the Congress.
Following this, Prashant Kishor launched his own party, Jan Suraaj. His aim was to reshape Bihar’s electoral politics, while the Congress-led Mahaghatbandhan attempted to repeat its 2020 performance. Both efforts ended in defeat.
Sources in Delhi political circles suggest both sides are re-evaluating their strategies. With elections due in Tamil Nadu and Bengal, Assam in 2027 and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls ahead, political analysts believe a tactical reunion cannot be ruled out.
