In the political turmoil of Bihar, Prashant Kishor, leader of the Jan Suraj Party (JSP), has been making headlines for his aggressive attacks on prominent figures of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Recently, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court in Patna has summoned Prashant Kishor in response to a defamation case filed by Janata Dal United (JDU) leader and Bihar Minister, Ashok Chaudhary. The case pertains to allegations made by Prashant Kishor against Ashok Chaudhary, specifically accusing him of purchasing a Lok Sabha ticket for his daughter, Shambhavi Chaudhary, from the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJP-R).
The case and the political accusations surrounding it have stirred up significant controversy and have drawn considerable attention from both political circles and the public. In this article, we explore the details of the defamation case, the accusations, and the wider implications of these developments in Bihar’s political landscape.
The Allegations Made by Prashant Kishor
Prashant Kishor, a political strategist and leader of the JSP, has been vocal about his criticisms of key figures in Bihar’s NDA. His remarks have often targeted prominent leaders including Samrat Chaudhary, Mangal Pandey, Ashok Chaudhary, and others. The most notable of these accusations was the claim that Ashok Chaudhary had bought a Lok Sabha ticket for his daughter Shambhavi Chaudhary through a deal with the LJP-R, led by Chirag Paswan. This accusation was made public by Prashant Kishor during a press conference held on a Friday, which subsequently caught the attention of the media and public.
Prashant Kishor alleged that the deal involving Ashok Chaudhary was not just limited to securing a ticket but also involved significant financial transactions. He accused Ashok of purchasing properties worth hundreds of crores and even alleged that Shambhavi Chaudhary had acquired a substantial amount of benami (undisclosed) property. These claims formed the basis of a defamation case filed by Ashok Chaudhary against Prashant Kishor.
The Legal Proceedings and Court Summons
Ashok Chaudhary, after receiving these defamatory allegations, issued a legal notice to Prashant Kishor, demanding an explanation. When Kishor did not retract his statements, Chaudhary took the matter to court. In June 2025, Ashok Chaudhary filed a defamation suit in Patna’s CJM court, accusing Kishor of tarnishing his reputation with false and baseless claims. The CJM court has now directed Prashant Kishor to appear before the court on October 17, 2025, to respond to the allegations and the legal action taken against him.
This summons marks a significant development in the ongoing battle between Prashant Kishor and the NDA leaders. It has also sparked debates on the limits of political discourse and the consequences of making serious allegations without substantial proof. The legal proceedings in this case will likely set important precedents for future political controversies.
The Accusations Against Ashok Chaudhary: A Deeper Look
In addition to the allegations related to the Lok Sabha ticket, Prashant Kishor also accused Ashok Chaudhary of other financial improprieties. Kishor alleged that Ashok Chaudhary had used his influence to acquire significant assets. He claimed that Ashok’s daughter, Shambhavi, had purchased five pieces of land in Patna worth 38 crores in the period between her engagement and marriage. Furthermore, he alleged that Ashok Chaudhary had amassed 200 crores worth of benami property within just two years.
These allegations, which Kishor presented during his press conference, have been strongly denied by Ashok Chaudhary. According to him, Shambhavi had bought the land legally, using her own resources as disclosed in her election affidavit. He also denied the allegations about financial transactions involving his wife, Neeta Chaudhary, and his mother-in-law, Anita Kunal, calling them completely false.
Ashok Chaudhary’s rebuttal was immediate and sharp. He accused Prashant Kishor of making baseless and defamatory claims without any factual backing. In response, he has filed a fresh 100 crore defamation suit against Prashant Kishor, seeking legal redress for the harm caused to his reputation.
The Escalation of Legal and Political Tensions
The case has now escalated beyond the legal domain and into the political arena, where both sides are using the media to gain support for their respective positions. Prashant Kishor has continued to attack Ashok Chaudhary and other NDA leaders, accusing them of corruption and mismanagement. These allegations have only intensified the political rivalry in Bihar, with both sides trading barbs over issues of ethics, governance, and accountability.
For the BJP and JDU, the accusations made by Prashant Kishor have raised concerns about the party’s image, especially as the state prepares for upcoming elections. Kishor’s accusations, if proven to be true, could significantly damage the credibility of the NDA leadership. On the other hand, for Kishor, the legal action is an opportunity to challenge the status quo and push forward his political agenda.
The Role of Prashant Kishor in Bihar’s Politics
Prashant Kishor has always been a polarizing figure in Indian politics. As a political strategist, he has worked with several major political parties, including the BJP and the Congress, but he gained substantial prominence through his work with Nitish Kumar’s JDU in Bihar. However, after parting ways with JDU, Prashant Kishor launched his own political outfit, Jan Suraj Party (JSP), in a bid to provide an alternative to the established political parties in Bihar.
Kishor’s criticisms of the BJP, JDU, and other prominent figures have made him a significant challenger in Bihar’s political landscape. His party, JSP, is still in its early stages, but Kishor’s aggressive political strategy has ensured that his voice is heard in the ongoing debates on governance and transparency. His involvement in the current defamation case is a reflection of his growing influence and his willingness to confront powerful political figures head-on.
The Response of Other Political Leaders
The allegations made by Prashant Kishor have not only drawn the ire of Ashok Chaudhary but also other political leaders in Bihar. BJP leader and former state president, Sanjay Jaiswal, has also filed a defamation case against Prashant Kishor. Jaiswal’s suit is an additional challenge for Kishor, further complicating the legal battle he is facing.
The BJP and JDU have both dismissed Prashant Kishor’s allegations as politically motivated and unfounded. They argue that Kishor’s criticisms are part of his broader agenda to destabilize the state’s ruling parties. In response, JDU spokesperson Neeraj Kumar has called on Ashok Chaudhary to clarify the accusations made by Kishor, asserting that they are baseless and meant to damage the reputation of the party and its leaders.
The Political Implications of the Defamation Case
This defamation case has serious political implications for both Prashant Kishor and the NDA leaders. If Kishor loses the case, it could undermine his credibility as a political leader and strategist, potentially diminishing his influence in future elections. On the other hand, if he wins the case, it could boost his standing in Bihar’s political landscape, presenting him as a staunch critic of corruption within the ruling parties.
For Ashok Chaudhary and the JDU, the outcome of this case will have a direct impact on their reputation. A successful defamation suit would not only restore their credibility but also send a message to their political rivals about the consequences of making unsubstantiated claims. It will also demonstrate their willingness to take legal action against those who attempt to tarnish their image.
The defamation case involving Prashant Kishor and Ashok Chaudhary is more than just a legal dispute; it is a reflection of the growing political rivalry in Bihar. As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see how the court deals with the accusations and whether Kishor can defend his claims against the legal challenges posed by the NDA leaders. This case has already highlighted the intensity of Bihar’s political atmosphere, with both sides eager to prove their dominance and credibility. As the legal battle continues, the political stakes remain high, and the public’s interest in the outcome will only continue to grow.
