Political strategist and Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has ignited a fresh controversy in Bihar’s political landscape by questioning the academic credentials of Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. During a press conference held in Patna on September 19, 2025, Kishor raised serious doubts over Choudhary’s claim of holding a Doctor of Letters (D-Litt) degree from California University, USA, despite allegedly not having cleared his class 10 examination.
The explosive allegation has triggered widespread debate across political and academic circles, with calls for transparency and accountability in public office. Kishor’s remarks come ahead of Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections, adding fuel to an already charged political atmosphere.
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Timeline of Allegations Against Samrat Choudhary
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Choudhary allegedly involved in a murder case; released as a minor |
| March 2023 | Choudhary appointed Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar |
| September 19, 2025 | Prashant Kishor questions Choudhary’s D-Litt degree during press conference |
| September 20, 2025 | No official response from Choudhary or BJP leadership |
Kishor’s allegations are based on discrepancies in Choudhary’s election affidavits and a reported statement from the Bihar School Examination Board indicating that he did not pass his class 10 exams.
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Key Allegations Made by Prashant Kishor
| Allegation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Claims Choudhary holds a D-Litt degree without passing class 10 |
| Identity Manipulation | Accuses Choudhary of changing names multiple times (Rakesh Kumar, Samrat Kumar Maurya) |
| Criminal History | References 1998 murder case; Choudhary released as minor |
| Election Affidavit Discrepancy | Points to mismatch between claimed qualifications and official records |
| Demand for Proof | Urges Election Commission to verify class 10 certificate |
Kishor also accused JD(U) leader Ashok Choudhary of acquiring land worth ₹200 crore through questionable means, further intensifying the political storm.
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Political Reactions and Silence from BJP
| Stakeholder | Response |
|---|---|
| Samrat Choudhary | No official statement issued |
| BJP Bihar Unit | Maintains silence on allegations |
| JD(U) Leadership | Yet to respond to land acquisition claims |
| Opposition Parties | Demand investigation and public clarification |
| Election Commission | No comment on verification request as of September 20 |
The lack of response from the ruling coalition has led to speculation about internal discomfort and potential damage control strategies.
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What Is a D-Litt Degree?
| Degree Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) |
| Nature | Honorary or earned academic degree |
| Eligibility | Typically awarded to individuals with significant contributions to literature, public service, or academia |
| Controversy | Questions arise when awarded to individuals lacking basic academic qualifications |
While honorary degrees do not require formal education, Kishor’s concern centers on whether Choudhary’s D-Litt was earned or honorary—and if the latter, whether it was awarded through legitimate channels.
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Identity Controversy: Multiple Names Alleged
| Name Used | Time Period |
|---|---|
| Rakesh Kumar | Early political career |
| Rakesh Kumar Maurya | Mid-2000s |
| Samrat Kumar Maurya | Pre-2010 |
| Samrat Choudhary | Current official name |
Kishor claims that Choudhary’s frequent name changes raise questions about transparency and intent, especially in the context of election affidavits and public records.
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Land Acquisition Allegations Against Ashok Choudhary
| Allegation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Value | ₹200 crore |
| Time Frame | Last 3 years |
| Beneficiaries | Properties allegedly purchased in names of daughter (MP), wife |
| Source of Funds | Kishor alleges misuse of public office and illegal means |
| JD(U) Response | No official denial or clarification issued |
These allegations add another layer to the controversy, with Kishor targeting both BJP and JD(U) leaders for alleged corruption and misuse of power.
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Public Sentiment and Media Coverage
| Platform | Sentiment |
|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | #D_LittGate trends with mixed reactions |
| Users demand proof and transparency | |
| YouTube | Political analysts dissect Kishor’s claims |
| Viral forwards of affidavit excerpts and press clips |
The issue has sparked intense public debate, with many questioning the standards of political accountability and the vetting process for public office holders.
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Legal and Electoral Implications
| Concern Area | Potential Action |
|---|---|
| Election Commission | May initiate verification of affidavits if formally requested |
| Public Interest Litigation | Possible filing by civil society groups |
| Defamation Risk | Choudhary may pursue legal action if claims are proven false |
| Political Fallout | Could impact BJP’s image ahead of assembly elections |
| Academic Scrutiny | California University may be asked to clarify degree issuance |
Legal experts suggest that if Kishor’s claims are substantiated, it could lead to disqualification proceedings or electoral penalties under the Representation of the People Act.
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Conclusion: D-Litt Controversy Puts Bihar Politics Under Microscope
Prashant Kishor’s pointed questions about Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary’s academic credentials have opened a Pandora’s box in Bihar’s political arena. As demands for transparency grow louder, the silence from the ruling coalition only deepens public suspicion. Whether this controversy leads to formal investigation or fizzles out as political noise will depend on the Election Commission’s response and the media’s continued scrutiny.
In an era where public trust hinges on accountability, the D-Litt debate is more than a personal attack—it’s a litmus test for the integrity of democratic institutions.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, verified press statements, and legal commentary. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, political, or academic advice. All developments are subject to official investigation and judicial review.
