Jan Suraaj Party confident ahead of Bihar elections; aims to eliminate corruption, boost education, skill development, and social welfare.
Manoj Bharti, President of Jan Suraaj Party, speaks on corruption-free governance and development plans ahead of Bihar Assembly elections (Photo: File)
NEW DELHI: With just a few days remaining before the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, the newly formed Jan Suraaj Party says it is confident about a positive outcome for the party.
In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian, Manoj Bharti, President of the Jan Suraaj Party and former Ambassador of India to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Ukraine, said, “Our core principle is straightforward: to eradicate corruption from public life, beginning at the top. When leaders are honest and accountable, it sets a powerful example that discourages corruption throughout society,”.
Q. How do you relate your experience as a diplomat to your current role in politics?
A. Having lived in eight countries, I’ve seen that while many are economically behind India, their social systems are much stronger. In contrast, Bihar has lost sight of a key principle of a civilized society: respecting the boundaries of one’s rights without infringing on others. This lack of awareness, in my view, is what truly separates developed nations from developing ones. We need to bridge this gap. This is what I have learned from my years in the foreign service returning to my homeland and reflecting on how we can transform our society so that people start recognizing and respecting the limits of their rights. Because the foundation of any well-functioning society lies in this very principle: everyone must act within the boundaries of their own rights. That is precisely what we are trying to instill here in Bihar.
Q. How do you define a “developed Bihar,” and what concrete steps are you planning to take to achieve that goal?
A. Real change begins with creating a corruption-free society where leaders truly respect citizens’ rights. In the 1990s, Bihar suffered under gunda raj, when fear and lawlessness ruled and people lost faith in the system. This breakdown of trust is why Bihar struggles today. The solution lies in honest leadership and only Jan Suraaj is working toward that vision. With integrity and accountability at the top, we can transform Bihar within five years and show what true development and good governance look like.
Q. What is your vision for Bihar in the coming years?
A. The vision is straightforward, even if its implementation may be challenging. The idea is simple: every village should function as a self-sufficient unit where people can meet their essential needs. Children should have access to quality education locally. Those who wish to pursue higher studies after class twelve should be able to do so within Bihar itself, as educational institutions across the state will be developed and strengthened. For those who choose not to study beyond a certain level, say after the twelfth standard, there should be a robust and well-organized skill development system. This will enable them to learn specific trades and join the workforce with dignity, regardless of the nature of their work. For the elderly people above sixty and those who have retired there must be a secure, respectable, and adequate old-age pension scheme, which Jan Suraaj is committed to providing. In the long run, the goal is for Bihar to rank among the top ten states in India within the next ten years. Achieving this requires a focused effort, beginning with the elimination of corruption. Bihar, which has long struggled with widespread corruption, must gradually transform this reality. The aim is to reach a stage where ordinary citizens can genuinely feel that corruption has decreased and that their lives have become simpler and better as a result.
Q. What is your “one formula” for tackling Bihar’s major challenges?
A. Our core formula is simple: to eliminate corruption from public life, starting at the top. When leaders are honest and accountable, it sets a standard that discourages corruption across society. Jan Suraaj has already begun this effort by carefully selecting capable, ethical candidates chosen by the people themselves. They are committed to serving on the ground, staying connected with citizens, and bringing transparent, accountable governance instead of disappearing after elections.
