The Jan Suraaj Party (JSP), led by political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, has moved the Supreme Court of India challenging the outcome of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. The party has called for fresh elections, alleging irregularities related to direct cash transfers to women voters during the election period.
Writ Petition Filed Against Direct Cash Transfers
JSP has filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, targeting the direct transfer of Rs 10,000 to women voters in Bihar just before the elections. The party claims that these transfers violated the Model Code of Conduct, which governs fair electoral practices.
In its petition, the JSP urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to declare the Bihar election results “null and void” and direct the conduct of fresh polls. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is scheduled to hear .
Allegations of Constitutional Violations
The petition argues that adding new beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana and disbursing funds during the Model Code of Conduct was illegal. JSP claims these actions violate several constitutional provisions, including Articles 14, 21, 112, 202, and 324.
The party also requested that the ECI take action under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, which addresses corrupt electoral practices, against the direct cash transfers to 25-35 lakh women voters.
What Is the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana?
The Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana is a state initiative aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and self-employment. Under the scheme, women receive an initial grant of Rs 10,000 to start small businesses and support livelihood activities.
JSP has also questioned the legality of deploying 1.8 lakh women beneficiaries from Jeevika groups at polling booths, claiming it could have influenced voting outcomes.
Calls for Clear Guidelines on Election-Time Benefits
Beyond seeking annulment of the results, the party urged the Election Commission to establish detailed guidelines for freebies and direct benefit transfer schemes. JSP proposed a minimum lead time of six months for implementing such schemes to prevent undue influence on voters and ensure free and fair elections.
Election Outcome and JSP’s Performance
In the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the BJP-led NDA retained power by winning 202 of 243 seats, while the INDIA bloc secured only 35 seats, including six for Congress. The Jan Suraaj Party struggled to make an impact, failing to win any seats and losing deposits in most constituencies it contested.
