Jan Suraaj Wins First Bihar Legislative Council Seat

Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party has secured its first seat in the Bihar Legislative Council after candidate Suresh Prasad Rai defeated sitting Congress MLC Madan Mohan Jha in the Darbhanga Teachers’ constituency. The result, announced on October 27, 2026, marks another electoral breakthrough for the party, which recently entered the Bihar Legislative Assembly through a byelection.

Jan Suraaj Defeats Congress in Darbhanga Teachers’ Seat

Rai defeated Jha by a reported margin of 324 votes, ending the Congress leader’s two consecutive terms representing the constituency.

Rai secured 2,574 first-preference votes, while Jha received 2,187. CPI(M) candidate Ramdev Rai obtained 1,498 votes, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Kumar Raut received 126.

Rai had previously contested the constituency as a BJP candidate, finishing second before joining Jan Suraaj.

Congress-RJD Rivalry Splits Opposition Votes

The result highlighted divisions within Bihar’s opposition Mahagathbandhan, with Congress, RJD and CPI(M) fielding separate candidates in the same constituency.

Congress and RJD also contested against each other in several other Legislative Council constituencies, including Patna Teachers’, Patna Graduates’ and Darbhanga Graduates’.

The competing candidatures divided opposition support, creating an opportunity for Jan Suraaj to secure the seat.

Prashant Kishor’s Party Expands Bihar Presence

The victory strengthens Jan Suraaj’s representation in Bihar’s legislature. Kishor, a former election strategist, currently represents Bankipur in the Legislative Assembly.

Eight Legislative Council constituencies went to the polls, with the ruling National Democratic Alliance and opposition parties competing for representation.

Rai’s victory gives Jan Suraaj its first presence in the Upper House and adds another elected representative to the party’s growing political organisation.