Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary defends ECI, slams Opposition on NEET and border row
Synopsis
Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary used a single press conference to fight on five fronts at once — defending the Election Commission, backing Amit Shah on border demolitions, challenging Tejashwi Yadav to prove human trafficking claims, calling the NEET leak a betrayal of students, and arguing that projecting Rahul Gandhi as Opposition face will only boost the NDA. It is a snapshot of how Bihar's ruling coalition is framing the political battle ahead.
Key Takeaways
Bihar Rural Works Department Minister Ashok Choudhary addressed the media at the JD(U) office in Patna on 28 May .
He called allegations of ECI bias 'completely baseless' and accused the Opposition of misleading the public.
Choudhary backed Home Minister Amit Shah on demolition of illegal border settlements, citing national security.
He challenged Tejashwi Yadav to submit concrete evidence on human trafficking to the Chief Minister or DGP instead of making general accusations.
The minister termed the NEET paper leak 'deeply unfortunate' and called for stricter, more transparent examination systems.
Choudhary congratulated young Bihar cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi and expressed hope for his continued national and international success.
Bihar Rural Works Department Minister Ashok Choudhary on Thursday, 28 May launched a wide-ranging attack on Opposition parties at the Janata Dal (United) office in Patna, defending the Election Commission of India (ECI), backing Home Minister Amit Shah on border demolitions, and calling the NEET paper leak a betrayal of students' futures.
On the Election Commission Controversy
Choudhary accused Opposition parties of deliberately stoking confusion among voters by portraying the ECI as being under the influence of a particular political party. He called such allegations 'completely baseless' and said the campaign amounted to undermining a constitutional institution for political gain. This comes amid sustained Opposition criticism of the poll body's conduct during recent electoral cycles.
INDIA Bloc and Rahul Gandhi as Opposition Face
Taking a direct swipe at the INDIA bloc for projecting Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi as the alliance's electoral face, Choudhary argued the move would backfire — and ultimately hand the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) a larger victory margin. The remark signals the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-allied JD(U)'s confidence ahead of the next electoral contest in Bihar.
Border Settlements, Human Trafficking Allegations
Choudhary strongly backed Home Minister Amit Shah over statements linked to the demolition of illegal settlements in border regions, arguing that porous borders are vulnerable to unauthorised infiltration and that strict action is necessary on national security grounds. On Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav's allegations of human trafficking, the minister challenged Yadav to furnish concrete information rather than make sweeping accusations. He said that if credible evidence exists, Yadav should formally communicate it to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, or the Director General of Police so that action can be taken.
NEET Paper Leak and Examination Reform
Describing the nationwide NEET examination paper leak as 'deeply unfortunate', Choudhary said such incidents amount to playing with students' futures. He called for greater transparency and stricter systems in competitive examinations to protect deserving candidates. The NEET controversy has triggered protests across several states and drawn scrutiny from the Supreme Court.
Other Remarks: Communal Harmony and Cricket
Responding to discussions around the Madras High Court ruling related to cow slaughter during Bakrid, Choudhary advocated mutual respect among communities, citing his own practice of following Buddhist customs during visits to the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya as a personal example of inter-faith regard. The minister also congratulated Bihar's young cricket talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi on his early success, calling it a proud moment for the state and expressing hope that he would bring national and international recognition to Bihar.
Choudhary's remarks reflect the ruling coalition's strategy of going on the offensive across multiple fronts — electoral credibility, security, student welfare, and communal harmony — as political temperatures rise ahead of the next election cycle.
Point of View
Border security, student welfare, communal harmony, and cricket pride in one sitting. The challenge on human trafficking is pointed — daring Tejashwi Yadav to put evidence on record or be seen as making empty charges. But on NEET, the minister's call for 'stricter systems' sidesteps the harder question of accountability for the leak itself, which remains unresolved and politically damaging for the Centre.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary say about the Election Commission of India?
Choudhary called allegations that the ECI operates under a particular party's influence 'completely baseless', accusing the Opposition of deliberately creating confusion among voters to undermine a constitutional institution.
What was Choudhary's response to Tejashwi Yadav's human trafficking allegations?
Choudhary challenged Tejashwi Yadav to provide concrete evidence rather than make generalised accusations, saying Yadav should formally communicate any credible information to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, or the Director General of Police for action to be taken.
What did the Bihar minister say about the NEET paper leak?
Choudhary described the NEET paper leak as 'deeply unfortunate', saying it amounts to playing with students' futures. He called for greater transparency and stricter systems in competitive examinations to protect deserving candidates.
Why did Choudhary back Amit Shah on border settlement demolitions?
The minister argued that porous border areas are prone to illegal infiltration and unauthorised settlements, making strict action a national security necessity — aligning with the position taken by Home Minister Amit Shah.
Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi and why did Choudhary mention him?
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a young cricket talent from Bihar. Choudhary congratulated him on his early success, calling it a proud moment for the state and expressing hope that he would bring national and international recognition to Bihar.
