Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party on Sunday alleged that the ruling NDA government in Bihar diverted Rs 14,000 crore from a World Bank loan, originally meant for development projects, to fund pre-election cash transfers to women voters under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana.
The accusation comes a day after the NDA’s resounding victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls, securing 202 of 243 seats. Jan Suraaj, which contested 238 seats, failed to win any.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“Unprecedented Scale of Vote-Buying”: Kishor
Speaking to reporters, Prashant Kishor claimed the state government spent nearly Rs 40,000 crore on “doles and freebies” between June and the eve of polling. “Even Rs 14,000 crore of the loan they received from the World Bank has been diverted for doles and freebies,” he said, terming it an attempt to “purchase votes.”
Party spokesperson Pavan Varma told ANI: “We have information — which could be wrong — that the Rs 10,000 given to women came from the World Bank project. If true, how ethical is this?”
Rs 10,000 Credited to 1.25 Crore Women Hours Before MCC
Under the scheme, Rs 10,000 was transferred to the accounts of around 1.25 crore women voters just an hour before the Model Code of Conduct came into force. Jan Suraaj claims this was timed to influence the election.
National President Uday Singh warned of severe financial repercussions: “Bihar’s public debt stands at Rs 4.06 lakh crore with daily interest of Rs 63 crore. The treasury is empty. Where will money come from for the next five years?”
No Response from NDA; Chirag Paswan Mocks Jan Suraaj
The Bihar government and NDA leaders, including CM Nitish Kumar and BJP allies, have not responded to the allegations. LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan dismissed Jan Suraaj’s performance, noting the party affected margins in 35 seats but won none.
The Election Commission has remained silent on the timing of the transfers.
World Bank Loan Context
The Rs 21,000 crore World Bank loan was sanctioned for infrastructure and development initiatives. Jan Suraaj has demanded a probe into the alleged diversion.
Political observers say the claims, if proven, could trigger scrutiny from international lenders and fuel demands for electoral spending reforms.
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