Ashok Choudhary Defends Nitish Kumar Amid Sonia Gandhi Remarks, Calls Him ‘Vikas Purush’

Patna, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary has defended JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar following reported critical remarks by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, saying Kumar’s political record does not require anyone else’s validation.

Choudhary said Kumar had established a distinct identity through his work and was recognised by people in Bihar as a “Vikas Purush” (Man of Development). He added that the JD(U) leader had generally allowed his work to speak for itself rather than seeking personal recognition.

The minister’s remarks come amid a political exchange between the JD(U) and Congress following reports that Gandhi made critical comments about Kumar during a Congress Working Committee meeting. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha have also responded publicly to the reported remarks.

Choudhary also criticised the Congress, claiming that parties that have allied with it have subsequently faced electoral setbacks. He alleged that the Congress was politically weakened in Bihar but continued to target the JD(U) leadership.

The latest exchange comes amid political differences following Kumar’s decision to leave the Opposition INDIA bloc and return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2024.

Responding to a question about JD(U) MLA Anant Singh’s support for Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh in the Patna Graduates’ constituency, Choudhary said the matter was for the party to address. He described it as an old issue that had already been discussed around 15 days earlier.

Anant Singh, the JD(U) MLA from Mokama, has publicly backed Anuj Singh against the party’s official candidate, incumbent MLC Neeraj Kumar.

Choudhary also commented on the rising water level of the Ganga, saying the state government was closely monitoring the situation. He said the administration remained alert and was keeping track of river levels and the flood situation as several parts of Bihar continued to experience elevated water levels and flooding following heavy rainfall and increased water discharge.