In a strong statement delivered on Friday, October 31, 2025, veteran Congress leader Ashok Gehlot alleged that the ruling NDA government unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in an astonishingly brief press conference, lasting a mere 26 seconds. Gehlot suggested that this hurried presentation was a deliberate attempt to avoid tough questions from journalists regarding their policies and past performance.
Speaking from Patna, Mr. Gehlot didn’t mince words, labeling the NDA’s manifesto a blatant ‘string of lies.’ He further expressed his bewilderment over Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary addressing the manifesto, rather than Chief Minister Nitish Kumar himself. ‘Was he (Kumar) simply not in a position to articulate its contents?’ Gehlot questioned pointedly.
Adding to the criticism, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh, who was also present at the press gathering, asserted that the apparent sidelining of Nitish Kumar in discussing the manifesto was a clear sign of disrespect towards both Bihar and its people.
Reiterating his initial claim, Mr. Gehlot emphasized, ‘The NDA leaders’ press conference was shockingly short, lasting only 26 seconds. It’s clear they were apprehensive about facing scrutiny from reporters regarding their two decades in power.’ He concluded by stating that the NDA should have started their press conference by presenting a comprehensive report card on their 20-year governance, implying a lack of transparency and accountability.