Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor has launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bihar on August 22, 2025, stating that the frequent tours offer “no benefit” to the state and fail to address its core challenges. Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj campaign, accused the Prime Minister of ignoring pressing issues such as unemployment, youth migration, and flood management, despite visiting Bihar three times in the past four months.
The remarks came ahead of PM Modi’s scheduled inauguration of development projects worth ₹13,000 crore in Gaya, including infrastructure upgrades, train services, and the Aunta-Simaria bridge over the Ganga. Kishor’s comments have sparked political debate, with opposition parties echoing his concerns and BJP leaders defending the Prime Minister’s developmental agenda.
🧭 Prashant Kishor’s Statement: A Direct Challenge to PM Modi’s Narrative
Speaking to reporters, Kishor said:
“Prime Minister Modi has visited Bihar three times in the last 3 to 4 months. On each of his visits, crores of rupees of Bihar’s poor public were spent. But how will unemployment in Bihar end? When will the migration from Bihar stop? When will Bihar’s children no longer have to go to Gujarat for labour work? PM Modi has not spoken on these issues.”
He further added:
“For the last 15 years, PM Modi has been the Prime Minister, but so far, he has done no work to stop migration from Bihar, nor has he found a solution to the flood problem. There is no benefit to Prime Minister Modi’s visits here. The people of Bihar have made up their minds. The people of Bihar want change.”
📊 PM Modi’s Bihar Visit: Projects Inaugurated and Announced
| Project Name | Sector | Estimated Cost (₹ crore) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aunta-Simaria Bridge on NH-31 | Infrastructure | 1,870 | Mokama–Begusarai |
| Bakhtiyarpur–Mokama NH-31 Section | Road Connectivity | 1,900 | Patna District |
| Buxar Thermal Power Plant (660 MW) | Energy | 6,880 | Buxar |
| Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital | Healthcare | 520 | Muzaffarpur |
| Sewerage Projects (Namami Gange) | Urban Development | 520+ | Munger, Jehanabad |
| Water Supply Projects (AMRUT 2.0) | Urban Development | Not disclosed | Aurangabad, Bodhgaya |
| Amrit Bharat Express (Gaya–Delhi) | Railways | Operational | Gaya |
| Buddhist Circuit Train (Vaishali–Koderma) | Tourism | Operational | Vaishali |
| PMAY Grih Pravesh Ceremony | Housing | 16,260 homes | Multiple districts |
Despite the scale of investment, Kishor argues that these projects do not address the structural issues plaguing Bihar’s economy and society.
🔍 Kishor’s Core Criticisms: Unemployment, Migration, Floods
| Issue Area | Kishor’s Concern | Current Status in Bihar |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment | Youth forced to migrate for work | High joblessness in rural areas |
| Migration | Labour migration to Gujarat, Punjab | Persistent over decades |
| Flood Management | No long-term solution from Centre | Annual devastation in North Bihar |
| Education | Poor quality and infrastructure gaps | Low literacy in some districts |
| Healthcare | Limited access in remote regions | Shortage of doctors and facilities |
Kishor’s Jan Suraaj campaign has focused on grassroots engagement, with his “Bihar Badlaav Yatra” drawing large crowds across districts.
🧠 Political Reactions: BJP vs Opposition
| Party/Leader | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| BJP Bihar Unit | Defended PM’s visit, called Kishor’s remarks “politically motivated” |
| Congress | Echoed Kishor’s concerns, demanded employment roadmap |
| RJD | Accused BJP of ignoring backward regions |
| Jan Suraaj (Kishor) | Called for governance overhaul |
BJP leaders argue that PM Modi’s visits have brought tangible development and improved connectivity, while opposition parties claim that the benefits have not reached the common citizen.
📉 Bihar’s Socio-Economic Indicators: A Mixed Picture
| Indicator | Bihar Status (2025) | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 11.2% | 6.8% |
| Literacy Rate | 70.9% | 77.7% |
| Per Capita Income | ₹50,000 | ₹1,25,000 |
| Migration Rate | High (seasonal and permanent) | Moderate |
| Flood-Affected Districts | 12 annually | — |
These figures underscore the challenges Kishor has highlighted, especially in the context of upcoming assembly elections.
🧠 PM Modi’s Broader Agenda: Connectivity and Urban Development
The Prime Minister’s visit also included a tour of West Bengal, where he inaugurated metro projects worth ₹5,200 crore and flagged off services on three new routes in Kolkata. In Bihar, the focus remained on infrastructure, health, and housing.
| State Visited | Key Projects Inaugurated | Strategic Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Bihar | Roads, bridges, power plant, cancer hospital | Connectivity, healthcare |
| West Bengal | Metro services, urban infrastructure | Urban mobility, tourism |
The PM’s office stated that these projects are part of a long-term vision to improve regional connectivity and economic growth.
📌 Conclusion
Prashant Kishor’s sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bihar visit has reignited debate over the effectiveness of high-profile political tours versus ground-level governance. While the PM’s ₹13,000 crore investment package includes vital infrastructure and health projects, Kishor argues that the real issues—unemployment, migration, and flood management—remain unaddressed.
As Bihar gears up for assembly elections later this year, the clash between optics and outcomes will likely shape voter sentiment. Whether Kishor’s grassroots campaign can translate into electoral gains remains to be seen, but his challenge to the status quo has certainly stirred the political waters.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 23, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political, legal, or electoral advice.
