Jan Suraaj founder and former political strategist Prashant Kishor on Tuesday alleged that three of his party’s candidates were “forced to withdraw their nominations” in the last few days due to pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party, ANI reported.

Addressing a press conference, he said that the withdrawn candidates had been fielded from Danapur, Brahampur and Gopalganj.

Kishor accused Union Ministers Amit Shah and Dharmendra Pradhan of using intimidation tactics to force his party’s candidates to withdraw from key constituencies, The Indian Express reported.

He alleged that Shah “detained” Jan Suraaj candidate Akhilesh Kumar in Danapur, preventing him from filing his nomination. He also alleged that Pradhan played a key role in coercing the three candidates to withdraw.

Jan Suraaj had earlier announced candidates for all 243 assembly seats in Bihar. With the three withdrawals, the party will now contest 240 seats.

“The BJP has always projected that no matter who wins, they will form the government,” The Indian Express quoted him as saying. “But this time, it is Jan Suraaj that has shaken their confidence.”

Kishor accused the BJP of attempting to replicate the “Surat model” in Bihar, ANI reported.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal was declared the winner from Surat after the Congress’ candidate was disqualified by the polling officer and other candidates withdrew their nominations.

He alleged that the ruling National Democratic Alliance was so fearful of losing that it was coercing Opposition candidates to step down.

The NDA comprises the BJP, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), the Chirag Paswan‑led Lok Janshakti Party, Rashtriya Lok Morcha and the Hindustani Awam Morcha.

“Democracy is being murdered,” Kishor said. “There has been no such precedent in the country.”

He also urged the Election Commission to ensure the security of candidates. “If the candidates are not safe, how can the voters be expected to vote without fear and temptation?” he added.

“We won’t relent until we defeat the BJP and uproot the NDA,” Kishor said. “They are trying to create an atmosphere that we are scared.”

He added: “Buy as many candidates as you want, threaten as many candidates as you can, and imprison as many candidates as you can in their homes. The elections will be fought.”

The BJP is yet to respond to Kishor’s allegations.

Assembly elections in Bihar will be held in two phases, on November 6 and November 11, with counting scheduled for November 14. The last date for filing nominations for the second and final phase was Monday. However, candidates are allowed to withdraw until October 23.

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