‘Slap on the face of people of Bihar’: Prashant Kishor claims new Nitish Cabinet full of corrupts and criminals

Prashant Kishor, the leader of Jan Suraaj Party, which lost badly in the recently-concluded Bihar Assembly Elections, on Friday hit out at the new Nitish Kumar Council of Ministers, alleging it was full of corrupt and criminal leaders.

Addressing the media after holding a day-long silent fast at Gandhi Ashram in West Champaran, Kishor said the Nitish Kumar government’s minister picks are a slap on the face of the people of Bihar.

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“The new cabinet of Nitish Kumar, which took oath on Thursday, is full of corrupt and criminals. I must say that this council of ministers is a slap on the face of the people of Bihar. It’s like rubbing salt on the wound as several corrupt leaders were inducted,” the former political strategist alleged.

‘Modi, Shah, Nitish least concerned about Bihar’

Kishor further took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and CM Nitish Kumar, stating the choice of ministers shows the three are least concerned about the state.

“They have purchased votes by transferring ₹10,000 into the bank account of more than 1 crore women. Now, they have no concern for the state or the people,” he said, adding, “If I am saying anything wrong, the state government can put me behind bars,” he added.

Kishor alleged that the government utilised funds from Bihar’s contingency fund and a World Bank grant for the cash transfer scheme.

“Now, we will ensure that women get Rs 2 lakh as promised by the NDA ahead of the polls,” he said.

Bihar Navnirman Sankalp Yatra, Jan Suraaj donation campaign

Kishor further announced that Jan Suraaj will launch the ‘Bihar Navnirman Sankalp Yatra’ on January 15. As part of the movement, Jan Suraaj Party workers, including him, will visit all houses in Bihar.

“We will visit all houses in the state over 15-18 months and create awareness among the people about the misdeeds of this government. The organisation of the Jan Suraaj Party will be strengthened before the campaign starts,” he said.

Kishor also announced that 90 per cent of his income will be donated over the next five years for the party’s campaign.

“Besides, whatever assets I have acquired in the last 20 years, except my Delhi house, I will donate those for the party,” he said.

“Now, I request the people of Bihar to donate just ₹1,000 to the party on a yearly basis. I will not meet anyone who doesn’t donate this amount to the party,” he added.