Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary dismissed Prashant Kishor’s corruption allegations as baseless, challenging proof of his assets. Amid a Rs 100 crore defamation battle, Kishor claims Choudhary amassed Rs 200 crore illegally, vowing to escalate the issue to courts and the Governor.
Bihar Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary has strongly refuted corruption allegations levelled against him by Jan Suraaj founder and political strategist Prashant Kishor. Addressing the media in Patna on Friday, Choudhary dismissed the charges as baseless, asserting that allegations without evidence cannot tarnish his political career.
“If anyone can prove I own even one dhur of land, I am ready to become that person’s slave,” Choudhary declared, emphasizing that his wealth details are publicly available. “Let anyone verify my assets. If someone says I am in partnership with Trump (Donald Trump), will anyone believe it? These claims are absurd. No political career has ever ended merely because of allegations, and mine will not either.”
The Background of the Row
The confrontation between Ashok Choudhary and Prashant Kishor escalated after the minister issued a Rs 100 crore defamation notice against Kishor on September 23. The notice demanded an unconditional written and public apology from Kishor within seven days, failing which Choudhary threatened both criminal proceedings and a civil suit for damages.
In his reply on September 29, Prashant Kishor stood his ground and accused Choudhary of amassing disproportionate assets worth Rs 200 crore. Kishor alleged that the minister collected hefty commissions from government contracts and had accumulated illegal wealth over the years. He further claimed to have documentary proof of Choudhary’s corruption, challenging him to withdraw the defamation notice and issue an apology within seven days. Otherwise, Kishor warned that he would approach both the Governor of Bihar and the courts to seek action.
Choudhary Defends His Record
Minister Choudhary, however, maintained that his long political journey and credibility cannot be undone by mere accusations. Tracing his political background, he reminded reporters of his leadership roles across different parties.
“I have been in politics since my student days,” Choudhary said. “I served as the Congress state president for more than four years and distributed tickets. In 2020, I became the executive president of JD(U). Those who think they can finish my career by just making allegations are mistaken. I will continue to be active in Bihar politics, and no one can stop me.”
Choudhary also revealed that he had received Kishor’s reply to the defamation case, which is now under scrutiny by his legal team. “My lawyers are examining his statements carefully. Action will be taken as per the law,” the minister remarked.
Political Implications
The Choudhary-Kishor feud has stirred Bihar’s political landscape, especially as the state gears up for crucial political activities in the coming months. Prashant Kishor, who launched the Jan Suraaj campaign, has positioned himself as a vocal critic of Bihar’s ruling establishment, often targeting both Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and its allies.
For Choudhary, who holds a significant ministerial portfolio in the Nitish Kumar-led government, the allegations come at a sensitive time. Observers note that such corruption charges could dent the ruling coalition’s credibility, even if no immediate evidence is produced. Kishor’s claims of possessing documentary proof add further weight to the matter, putting pressure on Choudhary to substantiate his defense with transparency.
At the same time, Choudhary’s bold counter-challenge—inviting critics to verify his assets—signals his determination to fight back. His statement, “No political career has ended merely because of allegations,” highlights his confidence that the issue may not significantly impact his standing among party colleagues and supporters.
What Lies Ahead
As the legal battle unfolds, both sides appear unwilling to back down. Choudhary’s defamation case against Kishor seeks to safeguard his political image, while Kishor has doubled down on his accusations, vowing to escalate the matter to constitutional and judicial authorities if necessary.
The clash underscores a larger narrative in Bihar politics, where corruption allegations have long been a powerful weapon in political rivalries. Whether Kishor’s claims translate into concrete legal action or remain part of the state’s ongoing war of words will depend on the evidence he produces and the courts’ response to Choudhary’s defamation proceedings.
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For now, Ashok Choudhary remains firm in his stance, dismissing Kishor’s charges as unfounded attempts to malign his reputation. But with Kishor promising to raise the issue before the Governor and judiciary, the controversy is far from over and may shape political debates in Bihar in the coming weeks.
