Prashant Kishor’s Emergence Signals a Possible Shift from Identity Politics to Issue-Based Politics in Bihar- Reyaz Alam

Sanowar Khan 

Patna, Bihar. 

Senior corporate professional and social activist Mohammad Reyaz Alam has said that the increasing political acceptance of Prashant Kishor indicates a significant shift in Bihar’s political landscape, where governance, development, education, employment, and accountability are gradually beginning to take precedence over traditional identity-based politics.

In a statement issued to the media on Monday, Alam observed that Bihar has for decades witnessed electoral contests largely shaped by caste equations, religious polarization, and dynastic political structures. While these factors have influenced electoral outcomes, he said they have often diverted attention from fundamental issues affecting the lives of ordinary citizens.

“The political discourse in Bihar appears to be undergoing a gradual transformation. Voters, particularly the younger generation, are increasingly demanding credible leadership, transparent governance, quality education, employment opportunities, better healthcare, and sustainable economic development rather than merely responding to appeals based on caste or religion,” Alam said.

He stated that irrespective of political affiliations, the emergence of leaders capable of shifting public debate towards governance and policy should be viewed as a positive development for democratic politics.

“The significance of Prashant Kishor’s political emergence lies not merely in electoral competition but in his ability to compel established political parties to engage with issues of governance, public policy, and development. A democracy becomes stronger when elections revolve around ideas rather than identities.”

Alam further said that Bihar’s large youth population is increasingly evaluating political leadership through the lens of performance and accountability.

“The aspirations of today’s generation extend far beyond caste loyalties and religious identities. Young voters seek opportunities, dignity, quality education, employment, entrepreneurship, and efficient governance. Political parties that fail to recognise this changing aspiration may find themselves increasingly disconnected from the electorate.”

Commenting on the future direction of Bihar’s politics, Alam remarked that the state now stands at an important democratic juncture.

“The coming years could witness the gradual decline of politics driven solely by dynastic privilege, personality cults, and identity mobilisation. The future belongs to leaders who can present a credible vision, demonstrate administrative competence, and remain accountable to the people.”

He, however, emphasised that meaningful political transformation cannot depend upon any single individual.

“No leader alone can transform Bihar. Sustainable progress requires strong democratic institutions, informed citizens, responsible political parties, transparent governance, and active public participation. Leadership can initiate change, but society must collectively sustain it.”

Calling upon all political stakeholders to elevate the quality of public discourse, Alam urged parties across the political spectrum to focus on policy-driven debates rather than divisive narratives.

“The people of Bihar deserve politics centred on education, employment, industrialisation, healthcare, agricultural reforms, women’s empowerment, social justice, and good governance. Democracy flourishes when citizens vote on the basis of performance, integrity, and vision instead of inherited political identities.”

Concluding his statement, Mohammad Reyaz Alam said Bihar has historically provided intellectual and political leadership to the country and expressed hope that the state would once again lead by demonstrating that democratic politics rooted in ideas, constitutional values, and public welfare can prevail over identity-based electoral mobilisation.