Is JD(U) Silent on Prashant Kishor's Corruption Claims?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- JD(U) remains silent on serious corruption allegations.
- Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is defended as a figure of integrity.
- Party emphasizes zero tolerance for corruption.
- Political strategist Prashant Kishor levelled severe accusations against party leaders.
- Silence may have implications for JD(U)’s credibility.
Patna, Sep 20 (NationPress) In the wake of serious allegations of widespread corruption made by political strategist Prashant Kishor against four leaders of the ruling party in Bihar, including Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary, the Janata Dal (United) has opted to sidestep the controversy while preserving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's reputation for integrity.
JD(U) representatives have refrained from directly mentioning Ashok Choudhary, instead highlighting the party's zero tolerance policy regarding corruption and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's unblemished record.
The statement originated from Legislative Councillor and chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar, who expressed on social media: "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has transformed politics with his honesty and integrity over his two-decade tenure. No one has emerged who can substantiate a single corruption claim against him. Those accused of graft ought to answer. Nitish Kumar embodies 'Zero Tolerance.'"
Other party spokespersons, such as Naval Sharma and Nihora Prasad Yadav, reiterated this sentiment without mentioning Choudhary.
Sharma asserted: "The party's credibility and the leader's image represent invaluable assets for all party members. Bihar has observed Nitish Kumar's virtuous character, his battle against corruption, and his commitment to clean governance. Our party's credibility and his image are priceless for all of us."
This silence follows Prashant Kishor's press conference on Friday, where he accused Minister Ashok Choudhary, a close confidant of Nitish Kumar, of accumulating assets valued at Rs 200 crore in the names of his daughter and MP Shambhavi Choudhary and other relatives.
Kishor further alleged that Choudhary acquired properties worth over Rs 38 crore recently.
Additionally, Kishor claimed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Minister Mangal Pandey purchased a flat in Delhi while Rs 2.12 crore was deposited into his wife's account.
He also accused Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary and MP Sanjay Jaiswal, asserting they too had gained financially in recent years.
Despite the political turmoil ignited by Kishor's allegations, JD(U) leaders have avoided commenting on the specific claims, maintaining that those implicated should respond while reaffirming Nitish Kumar's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.