Prashant Kishor has taken full responsibility for his party Jan Suraj’s poor performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, saying that despite sincere efforts, he was unable to win the trust of the people. “The responsibility for this defeat lies entirely with me,” he said. As atonement, Kishor has announced a 24-hour silent fast at Bhitiharwa Ashram — a symbolic return to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, whose concept of Swaraj originally inspired the Jan Suraj movement. After the setback, he appears to be once again turning towards the path shown by Gandhi.
The Bhitiharwa Ashram, where Kishor will observe his fast, is located in Bhitiharwa, West Champaran. Mahatma Gandhi spent part of his Bihar stay here during the historic Champaran Satyagraha. Various symbols of Gandhi’s life are preserved within the premises, making it a significant site in Bihar’s tourism map. Many places visited by Gandhi have been recognized as historical landmarks, and Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram is often regarded as a temple of inspiration for Gandhians. According to the Bihar Tourism Department, it was from this ashram that Gandhi launched the Satyagraha movement in West Champaran.
A Hub of Gandhian Work
Gandhi established India’s first basic school here to promote self-reliance and skill-based education. The ashram houses several memorabilia associated with him, carefully preserved by the Bihar government. This historic site gained prominence during Gandhi’s 1917 stay, when he was deeply involved in the Champaran Satyagraha.
Prashant Kishor’s Statement:
“The people did not trust us. We collectively lost. I apologize for failing to meet the expectations of Bihar’s people. As penance, I will observe a 24-hour silent fast at the Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram.”
What Did Mahatma Gandhi Do Here?
Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Champaran in April 1917 after persistent requests from local farmer Raj Kumar Shukla. The British were forcing farmers to cultivate indigo and exploiting them through the oppressive teen-kathiya system. Gandhi stayed at Bhitiharwa Ashram, where he laid the foundation of the Satyagraha movement.
People at the ashram recount several stories of freedom struggle linked to his stay. A simple shelter was built for Gandhi using bricks and mud. Kasturba Gandhi also lived here and taught children in the schools established by Gandhi. Items such as Gandhi’s spinning wheel, table, bell, and personal belongings are still preserved, and his room remains intact. Visitors often come to meditate, reflect, and study his teachings.
Why Did Gandhi Come Here?
Moved by the plight of Champaran farmers, Gandhi launched a mass movement for Swaraj from this region. He mobilized villagers, formulated the structure of the movement, and worked tirelessly for social reform. Schools were set up, hygiene practices were promoted, and a new awakening spread across villages. Bhitiharwa thus became a cradle of India’s first civil disobedience movement.
How to Reach Bhitiharwa Ashram?
Bhitiharwa Ashram is accessible from both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Trains run from Gorakhpur (UP) to Narkatiaganj, from where the ashram is approximately 16 km away and reachable by auto or taxi. Some trains also stop at Bhitiharwa Ashram Railway Station. Visitors can also travel from Bettiah by taxi. Entry to the ashram is free.