Patna: In a symbolic move underscoring his anti-establishment positioning, Jan Suraj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Thursday fielded his former teacher, Dr. Krishna Chandra Sinha, as the party’s candidate from the Kumhrar constituency in Patna.

Dr. Sinha, a highly respected mathematician and former professor at Patna Science College, once taught Kishor during his student years. He later served as Vice-Chancellor of five universities — Patna University, Magadh University, JP University, Veer Kunwar Singh University, and Nalanda University. His academic legacy includes mentoring a former Union Cabinet Secretary and several IAS and IPS officers.

“I did not apply for the ticket. PK came to my home twice and insisted I contest,” Dr. Sinha told this correspondent."

The candidate list unveiled by Kishor marks a notable departure from traditional electoral politics. The Jan Suraj Party has opted for professionals and grassroots figures over habitual political entrants. Among those nominated are:

Priti Kinnar, third-gender candidate from Gopalganj

Jagriti Thakur, granddaughter of socialist icon late Karpoori Thakur

Lata Singh, daughter of former Union minister RCP Singh

Y.V. Giri, senior advocate

Six senior doctors

Significantly, no professional politician features on the list, signalling Kishor’s continued experiment with political reform through non-political entrants.

The Jan Suraj movement, which Kishor has steered through extensive grassroots outreach, appears poised to test whether credibility can trump legacy in Bihar’s electoral landscape.