Jan Suraaj Accuses NDA of Diverting ₹14,000 Crore World Bank Funds Before Bihar Elections

In the aftermath of a disappointing performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, Prashant Kishor–led Jan Suraaj has levelled serious allegations against the ruling NDA government. Party spokesperson Pavan Verma claimed that funds originally sourced from the World Bank for a separate project were diverted and distributed to women voters ahead of the polls.

Speaking to ANI, Verma alleged that ₹10,000 each was transferred to 1.25 crore women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, just hours before the Model Code of Conduct came into effect. He claimed this amount was part of ₹21,000 crore received from the World Bank, suggesting that as much as ₹14,000 crore was redirected for electoral benefit.

Verma, however, added a disclaimer, stating,
“This is our information. If it is wrong, I seek forgiveness. But if it is true, how far is this ethical?”

He further highlighted Bihar’s rising debt, claiming the state currently owes ₹4.06 lakh crore, with a daily interest burden of ₹63 crore, and asserted that the state treasury is strained.

According to Verma, rumours spread among voters that those who did not support the NDA might not receive the remaining instalments. Out of the state’s four crore women, he noted that 2.5 crore have not yet received the promised amount.

Addressing questions on whether such welfare payouts influenced the election, Verma said that while Prime Minister Modi has criticised freebies in the past, the Bihar outcome tells a different story.

He also dismissed claims that Jan Suraaj’s poor performance was linked to Prashant Kishor’s promise to lift the liquor ban, arguing that illegal liquor sales continue across the state, affecting women who manage household budgets.

Verma concluded that the party’s electoral setback was driven by multiple factors, including the large-scale pre-election cash transfers and strong outreach by the ruling alliance.