Did Nitish Minister File a Defamation Suit Against Prashant Kishor?

Patna, June 3 (NationPress) Bihar's Minister for Rural Works Development, Ashok Choudhary, has announced that he has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraaj, due to purportedly disrespectful comments made during a recent press briefing.

Choudhary, who is also the father of the newly elected MP Shambhavi Choudhary, told IANS that Kishor must either apologize for his statements or brace himself for a legal confrontation.

The dispute originated from Kishor's press conference where he allegedly remarked, "Everyone is aware of Ashok Choudhary's political character," and accused him of purchasing a ticket for his daughter from the LJP to secure her election as a Member of Parliament.

In response, Ashok Choudhary remarked, "Kishor's claims are reckless. While it's normal to have ideological disagreements, personal attacks in public discourse are intolerable. Upon reviewing the footage of his statements, we sent him a legal notice, which he failed to address satisfactorily."

Choudhary emphasized, "His response suggested I should focus on my ministerial role. Yes, I will fulfill my duties, but that doesn’t grant anyone the right to insult me."

He elaborated, "We have approached the civil court and filed the defamation suit. Prashant Kishor must validate his allegations or issue an apology. I am merely exercising my constitutional rights. If someone makes unfounded claims that tarnish my reputation, I must seek legal recourse. Should it be necessary, we will pursue this matter to the Supreme Court."

While discussing his family's journey and the struggles faced by Dalit communities in India, he said, "I hail from a background where, 40–50 years ago, Dalits lacked even basic dignity. My father faced immense hardships while studying, yet we have persevered to carve our space in society. This case transcends personal or familial issues; it represents a fight for the rights of marginalized communities. We have earned our status through immense struggle and will not permit anyone to question our integrity without facing consequences."

In a swift response, Prashant Kishor stated that attempts to intimidate him would be ineffective.

Addressing reporters, he asserted, "I am unafraid of FIRs or defamation cases. No one has yet been born who can intimidate me with legal threats. Ashok Choudhary can file as many defamation suits as he wishes; it doesn’t concern me."

Kishor continued, "Do you think I fear anyone? Am I involved in illegal activities? When I was arrested at Gandhi Maidan, did I retreat? People fear only when they have done something wrong. But in Bihar, no one can claim that Prashant Kishor has harmed them."

Kishor also recalled previous allegations regarding corruption within the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).

"When I claimed that BPSC jobs were being sold, I was threatened with defamation lawsuits—but those were empty threats," he stated.

"I stand by my statements," the Jan Suraaj founder reaffirmed.