Prashant Kishor lauds PM Modi's experience & public connect, says 'He's leading surveys'

Prashant Kishor, the former poll strategist and founder of the Jan Suraaj campaign, on Thursday shared his insights into the Indian political landscape, particularly focusing on the leadership qualities of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In an exclusive interview with Republic, Kishor said that Modi's 45 years of experience in politics is what makes him strong. 

When asked about who the most powerful leader in terms of leadership is, Kishor remarked, "Nitish Kumar did good work from 2005 to 2012, and it felt like there would be a change in Bihar. But after 2012, his performance declined. He is not an influential leader anymore."

In contrast, Prashant Kishor heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging his significant political experience. "PM Modi's strength lies in the 45 years of work he has done as a party worker - 15 years in the Sangh, 15 years in the party, and then as Chief Minister of Gujarat. When you consider this experience, very few people in the country have such exposure." Kishor highlighted the Prime Minister's ability to connect with the public, saying, "That is why Modi excels in understanding what the public wants to hear, and this is all because of his 45 years of experience which makes him strong. According to the surveys, Modi is leading."

Who could be the Opposition's PM face?

On the topic of the Opposition's potential prime ministerial candidate, Kishor stated, "The people will be deciding who will be the better candidate. As per the surveys, Rahul Gandhi should be the face of the opposition. But as per my suggestion, there should be one condition, you become the face of the opposition but if you are not able to help the party win then vacate the place for someone else. It's not right to take a permanent seat and keep trying every time despite failing every time because Rahul Gandhi has always been the face."

Kishor further expressed his views on the I.N.D.I bloc. "I have worked with almost every leader who is part of the Opposition Bloc I.N.D.I alliance. The day this grand alliance was formed, that day only I said that this was purely a Bihar-centric effort and it wouldn't affect the politics of India," he said.

In terms of popularity, Kishor ranked the political leaders, saying, "In terms of popularity, Narendra Modi is at the top, Rahul Gandhi is second, and Nitish Kumar isn't even in the top 10. If you see the strength of the Opposition parties, the Congress is the biggest party followed by TMC in second, DMK in 3rd, and JDU is not even in the top 5."

He dismissed speculations about Nitish Kumar becoming the convener of the Opposition bloc, saying, "On what basis will he be made the convener? Who is asking about Nitish Kumar outside Bihar? I am saying he won't become the convener. In this alliance, Rahul Gandhi is the most popular leader, and he works the hardest. Most people in the I.N.D.I alliance don't trust Nitish Kumar. Nobody in this alliance believes in him. I am just stating the facts, Nitish Kumar doesn't trust himself, so why will others? This is his way of doing politics," he said.