Truth behind Prashant Kishore Allegations of corruption on opposotion leaders of Bihar
Context of Prashant Kishor's Allegations
Prashant Kishor (PK), founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, has recently leveled corruption charges primarily against leaders of Bihar's ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These accusations, made in late September 2025 during press conferences in Patna, appear to target the NDA as political rivals ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections expected in October-November 2025. Note that the query mentions "opposition leaders," but PK's public statements focus on NDA figures (e.g., ministers and deputies under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar). He has not made similar high-profile charges against the actual opposition Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress-led alliance) in recent reports. If this refers to something else, more details could help clarify.
The "truth" behind these charges remains unverified by independent probes as of September 28, 2025. PK claims to have documentary evidence, but the accused have dismissed them as politically motivated smears, issuing legal challenges. No formal investigations (e.g., by the Enforcement Directorate or Bihar Vigilance) have been announced, turning it into a heated pre-election controversy with internal NDA rifts.
Key Allegations and Claimed Evidence
PK has accused at least four NDA leaders of corruption, fake credentials, and misuse of power. He waved documents during events, promising full disclosure via his party's yatra. Here's a breakdown:
Leader | Party/Position | Allegation Details | Claimed Evidence by PK |
---|---|---|---|
Ashok Choudhary | JD(U), Rural Works Minister (Nitish Kumar aide) | Acquired benami (undeclared) land worth ₹200 crore in 2 years (2022-2024) via Manav Vaibhav Vikas Trust, run by his daughter Shambhavi and her in-laws. Funds allegedly routed through family members; ₹38 crore in Patna alone between Shambhavi's engagement and wedding. Questions raised on source of funds given Choudhary's official salary. | Land sale deeds with transaction dates/values (e.g., ₹7.2 crore on Apr 14, 2022; ₹15.5 crore on Jul 18, 2022); bank statements showing transfers between Choudhary's wife and Kunal family (in-laws). PK challenged him to explain funding publicly. |
Samrat Choudhary | BJP, Deputy Chief Minister | Never passed matriculation (Class 10); using fake certificates to hold office. | Demanded public display of degrees/certificates; referenced "fake age certificate" claims in one report. No specific documents shown publicly yet. |
Dilip Jaiswal | BJP, State President | Murder involvement; illegally seized control of Mata Gujri Memorial Medical College (started as clerk, expelled founder's family, ran it for 25-30 years as director). | Referenced college management records and expulsion documents; murder allegation tied to unspecified past case. |
Mangal Pandey | BJP, Former Health Minister | Financial irregularities and corruption in health department dealings (details sparse). | Cited audit reports or financial docs; part of broader "irregularities" claims without specifics in public statements. |
These stem from PK's padyatra (foot march) across Bihar, where he positions Jan Suraaj as an anti-corruption alternative to the "corrupt NDA regime."
Responses and Counter-Claims
- From Accused/Leaders:
- Ashok Choudhary sent a ₹100 crore defamation notice to PK on September 23, 2025, giving 7 days to prove claims or retract. He called them "baseless" and challenged PK to produce evidence in court.
- JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar distanced the party from Choudhary, stressing Nitish Kumar's "zero-tolerance" but demanding Choudhary respond urgently to protect the party's image.
- BJP initially labeled allegations "frivolous," questioning PK's own funding via "shell companies." However, internal pressure mounted: Senior BJP leader R.K. Singh (sidelined ex-MP) publicly demanded the accused resign or clarify, calling the NDA's credibility into question. Bihar BJP's Manoj Sharma urged internal resolution first.
- Broader NDA Fallout: The charges have stirred unease in the alliance, with some JD(U)-BJP leaders echoing calls for probes. No resignations yet, but it highlights tensions post-Nitish's 2024 flip to NDA.
- PK's Stance: He reiterated demands for transparency, vowing to escalate via Jan Suraaj's campaign. Critics accuse him of electioneering, noting his strategist past with NDA (he helped BJP in 2014).
Assessment of "Truth"
- Substantiation: PK's evidence (deeds, bank records) appears document-based but hasn't been independently audited. Media reports confirm he displayed some papers, but full sets aren't public. Allegations like land deals could trigger benami probes under the Prohibition of Benami Property Act if pursued.
- Political Angle: Seen as a strategy to dent NDA's "anti-corruption" image (Nitish's branding). Similar past claims by PK (e.g., against Tejashwi Yadav in 2020) led to ED raids but mixed outcomes.
- Ongoing Developments: Watch for court responses or election commission notices. As of now, it's mudslinging without resolution—typical Bihar poll drama.
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