Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor has found himself at the center of a legal storm after Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary served him a Rs 100 crore defamation notice. The move comes days after Kishor, during his “Bihar Badlao Yatra,” accused Choudhary and his family of amassing properties worth Rs 200 crore through alleged benami transactions. The explosive allegations have triggered a fierce war of words ahead of the crucial Bihar Assembly elections.
The defamation notice, issued on September 23, 2025, demands that Kishor either provide concrete evidence to support his claims or issue a public apology within seven days. Failure to comply, the notice warns, will result in criminal proceedings and a civil suit seeking damages of Rs 100 crore.
Timeline of Allegations and Legal Action
| Date | Event / Statement | Impact / Response |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2025 | Kishor accuses Choudhary of Rs 200 crore land scam | Sparks media frenzy, political reactions |
| Sep 21, 2025 | Kishor reiterates charges in Jehanabad | Challenges minister to resign or sue |
| Sep 23, 2025 | Choudhary sends Rs 100 crore defamation notice | Legal escalation, demands apology or proof |
| Oct 17, 2025 | Kishor summoned in earlier defamation case | Adds pressure on Jan Suraaj chief |
Kishor’s allegations center around land purchases allegedly made by Choudhary’s daughter, Samastipur MP Shambhavi Choudhary, and other relatives through a trust named Manav Vaibhav Vikas Trust. Kishor claimed that the trust is linked to Shambhavi’s in-laws and that the properties were acquired post her marriage to the son of late IPS officer Acharya Kishor Kunal.
In his fiery press conference, Kishor said, “If I am wrong, I must be jailed or sued. But if I am right, the minister must resign.” He further alleged that five plots worth Rs 38.44 crore were purchased in just two years, and questioned financial transactions between Choudhary’s wife and Anita Kunal, wife of Acharya Kishor Kunal.
Key Allegations Made by Prashant Kishor
| Person Named | Allegation Summary | Kishor’s Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Ashok Choudhary | Rs 200 crore benami land acquisition | Resignation or legal action |
| Shambhavi Choudhary | Ownership of disputed properties | Public clarification |
| Anita Kunal | Financial links to Choudhary’s family | Transparency in trust dealings |
| Manav Vaibhav Vikas Trust | Used for land purchases post marriage | Full disclosure of transactions |
Minister Ashok Choudhary, a senior JD(U) leader and close aide of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has dismissed the allegations as “blatant lies” and “politically motivated.” In his response, Choudhary stated that the properties were legally purchased by his daughter in 2021 and are fully disclosed in her election affidavit.
“The question of benami does not arise. Kishor is running a campaign of deception to gain relevance in Bihar politics,” Choudhary said. He also accused Kishor of targeting his daughter’s reputation and dragging family members into political mudslinging.
Minister’s Counterclaims and Legal Stand
| Claim by Choudhary | Supporting Detail | Legal Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Property legally acquired | Purchased on Feb 21, 2021, via legal income | Mentioned in election affidavit |
| No benami transaction | No proxy ownership or hidden beneficiaries | Defamation notice served |
| Political vendetta | Kishor acting out of panic post court summons | Previous defamation case pending |
Interestingly, the JD(U) has maintained a cautious stance, refraining from commenting directly on the allegations. Party insiders suggest that the leadership wants to avoid unnecessary controversy ahead of the upcoming polls, where caste equations and corruption narratives could influence voter sentiment.
Kishor, who was once JD(U)’s national vice president before being expelled for indiscipline, has been vocal against the Nitish Kumar-led government. Through his Jan Suraaj campaign, he has positioned himself as a reformist challenging entrenched political structures.
Political Context – Bihar’s Pre-Election Landscape
| Actor / Entity | Role in Current Scenario | Strategic Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| Prashant Kishor | Jan Suraaj founder, anti-corruption crusader | Targeting JD(U) leadership |
| Ashok Choudhary | JD(U) minister, Nitish loyalist | Defending family and party image |
| JD(U) | Ruling party in Bihar | Avoiding direct confrontation |
| Bihar Voters | Key stakeholders in upcoming elections | Watching corruption narrative unfold |
Social media platforms have erupted with reactions to the defamation notice, with hashtags like #PKvsJD(U), #200CroreBomb, and #BiharPolitics trending across Twitter and Facebook. Supporters of Kishor have hailed his courage, while JD(U) loyalists have accused him of sensationalism.
Public Sentiment – Defamation Notice Fallout
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.1M mentions | 76% mixed | #PKvsJD(U) #200CroreBomb |
| 920K interactions | 72% polarized | #BiharPolitics #DefamationDrama | |
| YouTube | 860K views | 78% curious | #PrashantKishor #AshokChoudhary |
| 740K views | 80% supportive | #JanSuraaj #TruthOrTrap |
Legal experts believe the case could set a precedent for political defamation suits in India. If Kishor fails to provide evidence, he may face serious legal consequences. However, if his claims are substantiated, it could shake the foundations of Bihar’s political establishment.
As the deadline for Kishor’s response approaches, all eyes are on whether he will double down on his allegations or opt for a strategic retreat. Either way, the episode has added a dramatic twist to Bihar’s political narrative and intensified scrutiny on public accountability.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available legal notices, political statements, and verified news reports. It does not constitute legal advice or political endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
