Jan Suraaj Accuses Govt of Diverting Rs 14,000 Crore World Bank Funds in Bihar Election

Jan Suraaj, led by Prashant Kishor, has questioned the financial decisions taken ahead of the Bihar elections after its setback in the results. Speaking with ANI, party spokesperson Pavan Verma claimed that a portion of the funds sourced from the World Bank was allegedly redirected and distributed to women voters in the state.

Claims on Fund Source and Distribution

Verma stated that ₹10,000 was transferred to the accounts of 1.25 crore women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, and alleged that the funds were taken from money originally meant for a different World Bank project. He said, "An hour before the moral code of conduct for the polls, ₹14,000 crores were taken out and distributed to 1.25 crore women in the state."

While making the claim, he maintained uncertainty by adding that the information could be inaccurate. "As I have said, this is our information. If it is wrong, I seek forgiveness. But if it is true, then the question arises as to how far this is ethical," he said.

Concerns Over State Debt and Voting Influence

According to Verma, Bihar's total public debt currently stands at ₹4,06,000 crore, with ₹63 crore as daily interest, and he claimed that the state treasury is empty. He further added that there were rumours that if the NDA did not win, the remaining benefits would not be transferred.

He said that out of nearly four crore women, only 1.25 crore received the amount while 2.5 crore continue to wait, affecting perceptions during the election.

Freebies, Liquor Ban Debate and Election Outcome

Responding to a question on whether the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana played a key role in voter decisions, Verma pointed out the earlier remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on freebie culture, stating, "Maybe he had said it in the context of the Delhi Assembly and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Now what happened in Bihar?"

He also dismissed suggestions that the party's loss was linked to Prashant Kishor's proposal to lift the liquor ban, saying alcohol was still widely available at higher costs. He questioned, "Would that not affect women who have to run their homes?"

Verma concluded that the election results were shaped by multiple factors including the last minute transfer of funds and the ruling alliance's policies.