The Indus Zone Tech Desk | Sitamarhi, Bihar (October 24, 2025) | Major Setback for Prashant Kishor in Sitamarhi as Jan Suraaj Candidate Withdraws Nomination
In a surprising political twist, Jan Suraaj Party candidate Jiyauddin Khan has withdrawn his nomination from the Sitamarhi Assembly constituency, delivering a major setback to political strategist Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj movement ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025.
Khan, known for his clean image and strong base among the minority community, was expected to make the Sitamarhi race a three-cornered contest. His withdrawal is now being seen as a relief for the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), which feared a division of votes in the region.
Why Jan Suraj Candidate Jiyauddin Khan Withdrew His Nomination
On Thursday, Khan announced his decision via a Facebook post, stating that he took the step out of concern for his supporters.
“My well-wishers and community members were in distress, so I decided to sacrifice my candidacy once again,” he wrote.
Sources close to Khan suggest that pressure from local political and community leaders might have influenced the decision. Many believe this move aims to unite Muslim votes under a single political front to prevent division within the Mahagathbandhan’s core voter base.
Background of the Candidate
Jiyauddin Khan previously served as the District President of the Janata Dal (United) before joining Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party. His candidature was seen as an attempt to strengthen the Jan Suraaj presence in North Bihar.
However, with his exit, political experts believe that Jan Suraaj’s influence in Sitamarhi may weaken, impacting its prospects across neighboring constituencies like Bajpatti, Riga, and Bathnaha.
Other Withdrawals in Sitamarhi District
Apart from Khan, two more independent candidates have withdrawn their nominations in the Sitamarhi district:
Anish Kumar from Riga constituency, and
Zikra Rehman from Bajpatti constituency.
Their withdrawals came shortly after reports of intense negotiations among local leaders, suggesting a coordinated political realignment.
Election Status in Sitamarhi District
After the final day of withdrawal, a total of 85 candidates remain in the race across the eight Assembly constituencies of Sitamarhi district.
Here’s the updated count of candidates per constituency:
Riga: 10 candidates
Bathnaha: 11 candidates
Parihar: 9 candidates
Sursand: 11 candidates
Bajpatti: 13 candidates
Sitamarhi: 13 candidates
Runni Saidpur: 9 candidates
Belsand: 9 candidates
Originally, 106 candidates filed nominations, out of which 18 were rejected, and 88 were approved before the withdrawal period.
A Political Setback for Prashant Kishor
For Prashant Kishor, who has been working to build the Jan Suraaj Party as a credible third front in Bihar politics, this development is a significant blow. Sitamarhi was considered a key seat in his strategy to gain traction in Mithilanchal.
Political observers believe that without a strong local candidate like Jiyauddin Khan, Jan Suraaj’s chances in the region have diminished. The withdrawal has also reduced the possibility of a triangular contest, which could have benefited the emerging party by splitting votes of major alliances.
Local Reactions
Local residents in Sitamarhi have been actively discussing the move. Many claim that strategic alliances are being formed to consolidate votes among particular communities.
A resident commented, “This decision might help maintain unity among minority voters, but it’s also a reminder of how unpredictable Bihar’s politics can be.”
Conclusion
With the withdrawal of Jiyauddin Khan, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party faces a new challenge in its mission to make a strong mark in Bihar’s 2025 elections. The Sitamarhi seat, once expected to witness a tight triangular fight, may now return to a traditional two-way battle between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan.
As the election drama unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Prashant Kishor’s political experiment can still emerge as a force in Bihar’s ever-dynamic political landscape.
