The road to doing something meaningful is never easy. It’s filled with challenges, but those are the challenges that teach you to become a better entrepreneur.” So stated Bhavish Agarwal, the founder of Ola Cabs. His statement applies to Prashant Kishor, who is almost akin to the ‘new kid on the block’, the latest entrant into the complex quagmire that is Indian politics, after the ubiquitous Arvind Kejriwal with his Aam Aadmi Party. Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party will be the ‘party with a difference’ in the Bihar Assembly elections of 2025.
Political startups—new political movements, parties, or initiatives—present an innovative and disruptive force in democracies worldwide. In Bharat of 2024, the viability of political startups is both a challenging and an intriguing proposition. India is a country that is as diverse as it is cohesive, as complex as it is facile, as forward-thinking as it is traditional, and its political landscape—defined by its entrenched parties, diverse electorate, and complex socio-political fabric—presents a blend of opportunities and obstacles for new entrants seeking to break into national or regional politics.
India has six national parties, 58 state parties, and 2,763 unrecognised parties, according to the Election Commission of India. In this competitive environment, Bharat can definitely see one more startup take birth.
Also read: How Prashant Kishor’s newly minted Jan Suraaj party will impact key players in Bihar politics
A history of political startups
This is the beauty of the Indian political space. Thanks to our multi-party system, there is always space for a fresh-faced political startup. In 1885, the Indian National Congress (INC) was launched as a political movement by Allan Octavian Hume, albeit as a pressure release mechanism. This was achieved through Indian leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji and Dinshaw Edulji Wacha, who sought to give Indians a platform to voice their concerns under British rule. In its infancy, the INC mirrored the values of startups—clear purpose and vision to advocate for more representation, and share in the political wealth of the colonial government.
Much like startups, the INC had to create its path in uncertainty and an uncharted political environment, working with limited power and resources; and had to create a coalition of a support base of think tanks that included professionals, intellectuals, business persons, and emerging political leaders.
Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) was the need of the hour when it was launched, but crash-landed soon after its leader’s death or disappearance. Following Independence, when power got transferred to the Congress, the INA lost its relevance.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) began its journey in 1925 as a voluntary organisation to deal with the onslaught on Hindu culture, unity, and nationalism. It operated outside the traditional political system, focusing on building a strong ideological base and social networks across communities. Over time, the RSS’ influence has shaped Indian politics, particularly through its association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which grew from its ideological foundations, and was a political startup in 1980, rising like a phoenix from the ashes of the Janata Party, which had lost its ideological path and thus its relevance.
The viability of political startups in India’s 2024 landscape depends on their ability to capitalise on public sentiment, engage with young and digital-savvy voters, and present issue-based alternatives that address regional or national grievances. While the challenges are formidable—from financial constraints to systemic barriers—there are significant opportunities for innovative, tech-savvy, and grassroots-driven movements to make a mark.
Also read: Prashant Kishor is turning a new page in politics. It’s well thought out and minus any drama
Can Kishor break into Bihar politics?
This period is rife with opportunity for startups, especially on the regional stage, as some traditional parties may have lost their sheen and the political landscape is plagued with voter fatigue. There are sections of the population—especially youth and marginalised communities—who feel increasingly disillusioned by the cacophony of mainstream political discourse based on old narratives.
In a world of influencers and Instagrammers, the attention span of the voter is like quicksilver. Today, India also has a young population—65 percent of Indians are aged below 35. Digitally savvy and politically active, this demographic is searching for an ethical and honest politician. They will be quick to reject the candidates who are not forward-thinking with a high moral compass, which puts them in the pole position to represent aspirational Bharat. This is where politics and entrepreneurship are on divergent paths—as long as the politician is not blinded by monetary greed and remains on an altruistic path of service, their vision will ensure their party remains relevant. As per Arthashastra: राजानमनुवर्तन्ते यथा राजा तथा प्रजा. It means: As the king, so are the subjects.
It is apparent that in the age of Kalyug and democracy, the leaders are chosen by the people. Therefore, the saying could very well be: यथा प्रजा तथा राजा.
While some politicians get into politics with the idea and intention of service to the nation, there could also be political leaders who run their constituencies like an entrepreneur, with an eye on profits. Issues of credibility and morality remain to be answered in this discourse.
Further, regionally, people are looking for relevant voices that will take their states into the futuristic vision of Viksit Bharat. The AAP, which emerged in Delhi as a startup to fight corruption, now has leaders facing charges of corruption.The success of Prashant Kishor’s startup Jan Suraaj Party will likely hinge on its ability to navigate the complex political landscape, effectively communicate with voters, and present itself as a credible alternative to established political players like the JD(U), the RJD, and others.
Prashant Kishor has showcased his abilities as an election manager and has brought corporate style to electoral management. In this process, he may have learnt a great deal from the political parties that were his clients in the past. It remains to be seen if he has the ability, capacity, and skills required to steer political success in the uncertainties of the electoral landscape in Bihar and present a credible alternative to the traditional parties.
In the words of Eric Reis, “A startup is a human institution designed to create a new product or service under conditions of extreme uncertainty.” Can he break into the quagmire that is Bihar politics and successfully navigate the maze of caste politics, while keeping development and education relevant and emerge as a leader? 2025 is nigh, and we will not have to wait long for the answer. We hope that good politics prevails and Kishor doesn’t choose the path of anarchy and corruption. It is hard, in these times, to say what will succeed.
Meenakshi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer and social activist. Her X handle is @M_Lekhi. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prashant)