Is Ashok Gehlot Right to Criticize PM Modi Over Bihar Dy CM’s Alleged ‘Fake’ Degree?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ashok Gehlot criticizes PM Modi for shielding corrupt leaders.
- Samrat Choudhary faces allegations of a fraudulent degree.
- Healthcare in Bihar is in a critical state.
- Migration from Bihar is a pressing issue.
- The CAG report exposes significant corruption in the Bihar government.
Patna, Oct 9 (NationPress) Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot fiercely criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, claiming he is providing cover for BJP leaders embroiled in serious corruption claims. This includes Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who is under scrutiny for allegedly holding a fraudulent educational certificate.
During a press briefing held at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna, Gehlot stated that PM Modi has chosen to ignore severe corruption accusations against his party's leaders and ministers, opting not to request their resignations.
“In Bihar, the Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is directly charged with utilizing a false degree. Rumors suggest he acquired it from California Public University. I cannot verify this claim, but if such allegations are made, he should address them,” he remarked.
Gehlot further noted that another minister in the Bihar cabinet was implicated in a counterfeit medicine scandal, yet no measures were taken against him.
Additionally, he criticized the deteriorating healthcare situation in Bihar, stating, “A significant number of women and children are suffering from anaemia, and the healthcare infrastructure is crumbling. Approximately 60 percent of positions in government hospitals remain unfilled, leading to a severe doctor shortage. When I served as Chief Minister of Rajasthan, we provided free MRI scans, health insurance up to ₹25 lakh, and launched various welfare initiatives in the health sector.”
Senior Congress figure Jairam Ramesh, who attended the press conference, expressed concerns about the extensive migration from Bihar.
“Migration poses one of the largest challenges in Bihar. Numerous youths are leaving the state in search of work. This cannot constitute Bihar's future. The path ahead lies in industrialization, agricultural growth, urban development, and enhancements in health and education,” he stated.
Ramesh also referenced a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), released in July 2025, which allegedly uncovered a ₹71,000 crore scam across ten Bihar government departments.
“This information is not from the Congress; it is derived from the CAG report submitted in the Bihar Assembly,” he declared, claiming that the so-called “double-engine government” operates” remotely from New Delhi, not from Patna.”
During the briefing, former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, along with Adhir Ranjan Choudhary, Rajesh Ram, Shakeel Ahmed Khan, Madan Mohan Jha and other leaders were in attendance.
They also unveiled a book titled, “20 Saal Vinaskaal,” aimed at criticizing the Nitish Kumar administration.