Did Ashok Gehlot Just Expose PM Modi Over Bihar Dy CM’s ‘Fake’ Degree?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gehlot accuses PM Modi of protecting corrupt leaders.
- Allegations include a fake degree scandal.
- Healthcare in Bihar is facing severe challenges.
- Migratory trends among Bihar's youth are alarming.
- The CAG report highlights significant corruption within the Bihar government.
Patna, Oct 9 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, accusing him of protecting BJP leaders who are embroiled in serious corruption scandals, including Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who stands accused of holding a fraudulent educational certificate.
During a press briefing at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna, Gehlot asserted that Modi has chosen to ignore serious corruption allegations against his party members and has refused to demand their resignations.
“In Bihar, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is directly charged with utilizing a fake degree. There are claims that he acquired it from California Public University. While the veracity of this claim is uncertain, he must address these allegations,” he stated.
Gehlot further claimed that another minister in the Bihar cabinet was implicated in a fake medicine scandal, yet no disciplinary measures were taken.
He criticized the deteriorating healthcare system in Bihar, indicating, “A significant number of women and children are suffering from anaemia, and the healthcare infrastructure is on the verge of collapse. Approximately 60% of positions in government hospitals remain unfilled, leading to a severe doctor shortage. When I served as Chief Minister of Rajasthan, we made MRI tests free, provided health insurance of up to Rs 25 lakh, and initiated numerous welfare programs in the health sector.”
Senior Congress figure Jairam Ramesh, who was also at the press briefing, expressed alarm over the rampant migration from Bihar.
“Migration is a critical challenge for Bihar. Numerous young individuals are leaving the state in search of employment. This cannot define Bihar's future. The path forward lies in industrial growth, agricultural advancements, urban development, and enhancements in health and education,” he remarked.
Ramesh also referenced a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) released in July 2025, which, he argued, unveiled a Rs 71,000-crore scam involving ten departments of the Bihar government.
“This data doesn't originate from Congress—it's derived from the CAG report submitted to the Bihar Assembly,” he noted, alleging that the so-called “double-engine government” operates “remotely from New Delhi rather than Patna.”
During the press event, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Adhir Ranjan Choudhary, Rajesh Ram, Shakeel Ahmed Khan, Madan Mohan Jha, and other leaders were present.
They also unveiled a book titled "20 Saal Vinaskaal" aimed at critiquing the Nitish Kumar government.