Jan Suraj Party founder Prashant Kishor has leveled serious accusations against Bihar’s BJP leadership, specifically targeting Health Minister Mangal Pandey and alleging that they are more corrupt than RJD leader Lalu Prasad. Kishor accused Pandey of collaborating with Dilip Jaiswal, the current head of the state BJP unit, for personal gains.
Kishor highlighted discrepancies in the procurement of ambulances by the state health department, claiming the cost of approximately 28 lakh rupees per ambulance was significantly inflated compared to other states.
He further alleged that Pandey facilitated Jaiswal’s interests by granting deemed university status to a medical college in Kishanganj. Kishor claimed that a sum of 25 lakh rupees was transferred from Jaiswal to Pandey’s father’s account, which was then used to purchase a flat in Delhi. He also pointed out that Jaiswal served as a witness in the property documents.
Kishor questioned why Pandey did not declare the alleged loan from Jaiswal in his 2020 election affidavit.
Accusing BJP leaders of hypocrisy, Kishor stated that they are more corrupt than Lalu Prasad. He criticized their focus on the fodder scam and railway-related corruption cases while allegedly engaging in similar practices themselves.
Kishor demanded an explanation from Pandey and Jaiswal regarding the financial transactions. Both individuals were unavailable for comment despite attempts to reach them.
Kishor also brought up a recent court order from Rajasthan involving another BJP leader, Jibesh Mishra, who was found guilty of manufacturing fake medicines. Kishor noted that despite calls for Mishra’s resignation, he remains in the state cabinet.
Kishor also referenced an incident involving a Bihari laborer who was attacked in Haryana, demanding that the authorities take action against the perpetrators. He criticized the lack of arrests in the case and the brutality of the attack, in which the laborer’s hands were reportedly cut off.