Prashant Kishor's Party Fields Transgender Activist in Bihar Polls
Political strategist Prashant Kishor has made a significant statement with the first candidate list for his newly formed Jan Suraaj Party (JSP), which includes a transgender social activist, Priti Kinnar. The party, making its debut in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, unveiled a diverse slate of 51 candidates, signaling a clear intent to challenge conventional politics with a focus on community-driven leadership.
Priti Kinnar will contest from the Bhorey constituency in the Gopalganj district, a seat currently reserved for the Scheduled Caste community. Her candidacy is particularly noteworthy as she is set to challenge a prominent incumbent, Sunil Kumar, who is the state's Education Minister in the Nitish Kumar government. Priti, a resident of Kalyanpur village, is well-known for her extensive social work and grassroots connections across the state. The party believes her deep understanding of local issues will make her a powerful voice for the common person in the state assembly. The contest in Bhorey is now expected to be one of the most keenly observed battles in the upcoming election.
The JSP's list emphasizes a departure from traditional political appointments, featuring a wide array of accomplished professionals. Among the notable names are KC Sinha, a respected mathematician and former Vice Chancellor of Patna University, and YB Giri, who has served as both the Additional Advocate General of Bihar and the Additional Solicitor General of India. This selection of doctors, lawyers, and retired bureaucrats reinforces Kishor's message of promoting clean and capable governance.
While transgender candidates have participated in Indian elections for years, their electoral success has been limited, highlighting the significant challenges the community faces in gaining political representation. Priti Kinnar's entry into this high-profile contest marks a crucial step towards greater inclusivity in Bihar's political landscape. The state assembly elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the vote count set for November 14.
Tags: Bihar Election
