“Wants His Son to Rule Bihar Without Even Passing Class 9” Says Prashant Kishor Slams Lalu Yadav
In a pointed political critique that has reignited the debate around dynastic politics in Bihar, Prashant Kishor, political strategist and founder of Jan Suraaj, accused RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav of prioritizing family ambition over merit. Speaking at a public gathering in Saran on Wednesday, Kishor questioned how Lalu continues to back his son Tejashwi Yadav, who “did not even pass Class 9,” for the top post in Bihar, while educated youths remain jobless.
The remarks came during Kishor’s ongoing ‘Bihar Badlav Yatra’ (Journey for Change), aimed at mobilizing grassroots support ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, expected in October or November 2025.
“Wants His Son to Be King of Bihar”
Addressing a large crowd in Saran, Kishor used a mix of sarcasm and political bluntness to target Lalu’s legacy and his promotion of Tejashwi Yadav within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
“We need to learn from Lalu Prasad Yadav how to care for one’s children. His son hasn’t passed Class 9, yet Lalu ji wants him to become the king of Bihar,” Kishor said.
He emphasized that while Lalu Yadav secures political future for his under-qualified son, the children of ordinary citizens, even those with degrees, continue to struggle for basic employment opportunities.
“Your children have passed matriculation, even graduated. Yet they don’t get jobs — not even as a peon,” he added.
Rising Discontent Among Educated Youth
Kishor’s remarks touched a raw nerve among Bihar’s educated youth, many of whom face chronic unemployment and underemployment despite having formal qualifications. Bihar has consistently ranked among the worst-performing Indian states in employment generation, particularly for young graduates.
Through his ‘Bihar Badlav Yatra’, Kishor has been tapping into this frustration, presenting himself as a reformist alternative to both the NDA (led by BJP-JD(U)-LJP) and the INDIA bloc (led by RJD-Congress-Left), which are preparing to battle it out in the upcoming state polls.
Kishor: “The People Are Fed Up with Corruption”
Earlier this week, at another rally in Taraiya, Kishor claimed that the large turnout at his events was not about his personal popularity, but a reflection of public anger against systemic corruption.
“The people here are not from my caste or community. They are united by one thing: their frustration with corruption and desire for real change,” he told reporters.
He noted that the momentum behind Jan Suraaj was driven by public aspiration, not political alliances or identity-based campaigning.
A Direct Challenge to Lalu and Tejashwi
Prashant Kishor’s direct attack on Lalu Yadav and his son comes at a politically sensitive time, as Bihar prepares for elections that may redefine the balance of power in the state. While Tejashwi Yadav served as Deputy Chief Minister in previous administrations and is seen as the RJD’s face for the future, questions about his educational background and qualifications have continued to haunt his political image.
By bringing these issues to the forefront, Kishor is attempting to shift the narrative from caste and legacy politics to governance, merit, and accountability.