PRASHANT KISHORE HOSPITALIZED AFTER CHEST PAIN DURING ‘BIHAR BADLAV’ SABHA AT ARA

PRASHANT KISHORE HOSPITALIZED AFTER CHEST PAIN DURING ‘BIHAR BADLAV’ SABHA AT ARA

19-JULY-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------A sudden health scare struck Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor during a roadshow in Ara, Bhojpur district, on Friday, July 18, 2025. The prominent political strategist and election campaigner suffered a serious chest injury, prompting his immediate admission to Shanti Memorial Hospital in Ara before being referred to Patna for advanced medical care. The incident, which occurred amidst a massive crowd during the "Bihar Badlav Sabha" at Veer Kunwar Singh Stadium, has raised concerns among supporters and party workers, who are anxiously awaiting updates on his condition.

The trouble began as Kishor participated in a three-kilometer padyatra and roadshow, engaging with enthusiastic crowds ahead of his scheduled public address. The overwhelming turnout saw supporters thronging the streets, creating a chaotic scene. Reports suggest that while leaning out of his SUV to greet people, Kishor was caught off guard by the surging crowd. In the ensuing push and pull, the vehicle’s door slammed against his chest, causing a significant injury to his ribs. The impact left him visibly distressed, and within moments of reaching the stage, he began experiencing severe chest pain, forcing him to abandon his speech.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as Kishor struggled with the pain. Bhojpuri singer and newly joined party member Ritesh Pandey, who was present, alerted the audience, saying, “Prashant Kishor Ji is unwell. He has suffered a minor injury and needs to leave.” Party workers, including former Purnea MP Uday Singh, quickly intervened, rushing him to Shanti Memorial Hospital in Ara for initial treatment. Dr. Vijay Gupta, who attended to him, confirmed that a CT scan revealed a ribcage injury but no bone damage. “He has sustained a soft tissue injury. We have advised complete rest for 48 hours, and his condition is stable for now,” Dr. Gupta stated. However, given the need for further observation, Kishor was shifted to Patna later that evening for specialized care.

The incident has sparked varied reactions. While some party officials, including Jan Suraaj’s working president Manoj Bharti, downplayed the severity, assuring that Kishor is “completely healthy and only needs rest,” others highlighted the risk posed by the unruly crowd. Accounts differ on the exact cause, with some suggesting the injury resulted from a collision with the vehicle door during the crowd surge, while others mention an attempt to assist a woman stuck in the throng. Regardless, the event underscores the challenges of managing large public gatherings during political campaigns.

Outside Shanti Memorial Hospital, a large number of Jan Suraaj workers and supporters gathered, chanting prayers for Kishor’s swift recovery. The party’s state coordinator indicated that if his condition worsens, he might be referred to Delhi for advanced treatment. The disruption also led to the cancellation of the public meeting, leaving the stadium in disarray as attendees dispersed.

This health scare comes at a critical juncture for Kishor, who has been leading the Jan Suraaj Party’s “Bihar Badlav Yatra” across the state to prepare for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, expected later this year. His padyatra, covering over 5,500 kilometers across 18 districts, has drawn significant attention as he positions his party as a third force against the NDA and INDIA bloc. The injury, though minor, has temporarily halted his momentum, with plans to resume activities uncertain until his health improves.

Kishor’s supporters remain optimistic, with social media posts reflecting hope for his recovery. However, the incident has also ignited discussions about the safety protocols during such events, with some criticizing the lack of adequate crowd control. The Jan Suraaj leadership has yet to issue an official statement, but the focus remains on ensuring Kishor’s well-being as he undergoes further medical evaluation in Patna.

As of now, Kishor is en route to Patna, where he is expected to receive a comprehensive check-up at a private clinic. The political landscape in Bihar watches closely, with his health condition likely to influence the party’s campaign strategy in the coming days. For a leader known for his resilience and strategic acumen, this setback is seen as a temporary hurdle, with hopes high for his return to the political forefront soon.