A fresh political storm has erupted in Bihar after senior cabinet minister Ashok Choudhary issued a ₹100 crore defamation notice to political strategist and Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor. The notice, served on September 24, 2025, demands a public apology within 15 days or payment of damages for allegedly making “false, defamatory and malicious” statements against the minister during a recent public rally in Nalanda.
Kishor, known for his sharp critiques and grassroots outreach, had accused Choudhary of “corruption and misuse of office” while addressing supporters as part of his Jan Suraaj Yatra. The minister, who holds the Building Construction portfolio in the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government, claims the remarks were baseless and intended to tarnish his reputation ahead of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections.
Defamation Notice – Key Allegations and Demands
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Ashok Choudhary, Bihar Cabinet Minister |
| Recipient | Prashant Kishor, Jan Suraaj founder |
| Legal Basis | Sections 499 and 500 of IPC (Defamation) |
| Demand | Public apology or ₹100 crore compensation |
| Deadline | 15 days from receipt of notice |
| Legal Counsel | Advocate Rajiv Ranjan, Patna High Court |
The notice accuses Kishor of “deliberately misleading the public” and “damaging the minister’s public image” through unverified claims. It also warns of civil and criminal proceedings if the demands are not met.
Choudhary, a close aide of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, stated, “I have served the people of Bihar with integrity. Prashant Kishor’s statements are politically motivated and defamatory. He must apologise or face legal consequences.”
Prashant Kishor’s Allegations – Rally Highlights
| Location | Date | Statement Summary | Targeted Individual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nalanda | September 22 | “Ashok Choudhary is involved in tender scams” | Ashok Choudhary |
| Gaya | September 20 | “Bihar ministers are looting public funds” | NDA cabinet |
| Patna | September 18 | “Nitish Kumar has outsourced governance” | CM Nitish Kumar |
Kishor has not yet responded to the legal notice but sources close to Jan Suraaj suggest that he is unlikely to retract his statements. “We stand by our claims. The people of Bihar deserve transparency and accountability,” said a senior Jan Suraaj coordinator.
The controversy has added fuel to the already charged political atmosphere in Bihar, where Kishor’s Jan Suraaj movement is gaining traction among youth and first-time voters. His campaign, which blends policy critique with grassroots mobilisation, has unsettled both NDA and INDIA bloc leaders.
Political Reactions – Party Responses to Defamation Row
| Party / Leader | Statement Summary | Tone / Implication |
|---|---|---|
| JD(U) – Sanjay Jha | “Kishor is playing dirty politics” | Defensive, dismissive |
| BJP – Nityanand Rai | “Let law take its course” | Neutral, cautious |
| RJD – Tejashwi Yadav | “Kishor is exposing NDA’s failures” | Supportive, strategic |
| Congress – Shakeel Ahmad | “Political vendetta won’t silence truth” | Critical of NDA |
Legal experts say the ₹100 crore demand is symbolic and intended to send a strong message. “Such high-value defamation notices are often used to intimidate critics. The actual litigation will depend on evidence and intent,” said senior advocate Prabhat Kumar.
Social media has erupted with reactions, with hashtags like #KishorVsChoudhary, #DefamationPolitics, and #JanSuraajChallenge trending across platforms. Supporters of Kishor have launched online campaigns defending his right to question public officials, while NDA loyalists have accused him of “sensationalism and political theatre.”
Public Sentiment – Reaction to Defamation Notice
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.6M mentions | 78% supportive of Kishor | #KishorVsChoudhary #JanSuraajChallenge |
| 1.3M interactions | 75% curious | #DefamationPolitics #BiharDebate | |
| YouTube | 1.1M views | 80% analytical | #KishorSpeech #LegalNoticeExplained |
| 980K views | 82% mixed | #BiharPolitics2025 #KishorOnFire |
Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Yatra has covered over 200 constituencies and is being seen as a disruptive force in Bihar’s traditional electoral dynamics. His focus on education, healthcare, and governance reform has resonated with civil society groups and non-partisan voters.
Jan Suraaj Movement – Campaign Focus and Reach
| Focus Area | Key Themes Raised | Districts Covered | Voter Engagement Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Reform | Teacher vacancies, school audits | 28 | Town halls, WhatsApp groups |
| Healthcare Access | PHC infrastructure, medicine supply | 22 | Mobile clinics, surveys |
| Governance | Corruption, transparency | 35 | Public forums, social media |
| Youth Employment | Skill gaps, migration | 30 | Career camps, influencer outreach |
As the legal battle unfolds, political observers believe the defamation notice may backfire and give Kishor more visibility. “He thrives on confrontation. This notice could amplify his message and position him as a fearless reformer,” said political analyst Ranjan Mishra.
With Bihar heading into a high-stakes election season, the clash between Ashok Choudhary and Prashant Kishor is likely to intensify. Whether the ₹100 crore demand translates into courtroom drama or political theatre, it has already reshaped the narrative—and drawn national attention to Bihar’s evolving political landscape.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available legal documents, political statements, and verified media 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.
