There is no caste-centric politics in Bihar

The Jan Suraaj is not owned by me or any other individual.

- BY BADAR BASHIR

Q. How big is the Jan Suraaj right now?

A. This is a political formation where [millions] have come together. It is the result of a journey of more than two years, which I undertook on foot, covering more than 5,000 villages. I tried to explain to people the reasons behind their miseries and what the way out could be. Once people heard it and pondered over it, they decided to come together and form the Jan Suraaj, which was formally founded on October 2, 2024.

Today, the Jan Suraaj is the largest political formation in Bihar. The closest competitor is the BJP, which claims to have roughly 70 lakh members in the state. The Jan Suraaj already has 1.25 crore members, founding and primary. Every month, three to four lakh people pay the membership fee and become part of the organisation. Those who genuinely want to change Bihar have come together to build this party.

Q. What are the key elements unique to your party?

A. The very idea of a political party being formed by the masses and not by an individual, a family or a set of self-proclaimed smart guys is unique in itself. The way the Jan Suraaj has been formed is different. Secondly, we are not believers in andolans or revolutions. For us, it is a slow grind. Until there is self-realisation in society, there can be no fundamental change in politics—no matter how good your political formation. This is something I have understood over the last 12 years of working with multiple parties.

Q. You have been talking about poverty, migration and lack of education and health care. Does it bother you and keep you up at night?