Patna, Feb 5: (BiharTimes)Jan Suraaj, the political party led by election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, has challenged the recently concluded Bihar Assembly elections in the Supreme Court, alleging large-scale electoral impropriety linked to government welfare schemes.
The party filed a writ petition on Thursday specifically questioning the implementation of the Bihar government’s Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme during the Model Code of Conduct period.
According to the petition, the state government transferred ₹10,000 each into the bank accounts of nearly 25–35 lakh women voters while the Model Code of Conduct was in force. Jan Suraaj has also alleged that new beneficiaries were added to the scheme during this period, calling the exercise illegal and aimed at influencing voters.
The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeks a declaration that the transfer of money and addition of beneficiaries during the election period violated constitutional and statutory provisions. The party has contended that these actions breached Articles 14, 21, 112, 202 and 324 of the Constitution.
Jan Suraaj has further urged the apex court to direct the Election Commission of India to act under Article 324 and Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, which deals with corrupt electoral practices.
The petition also raises objections to the deployment of women associated with self-help groups under JEEViKA. It alleges that around 1.8 lakh women beneficiaries of the scheme were appointed at polling booths during the two-phase Assembly elections, which it claims was unlawful.
Polling for the Bihar Assembly elections was held on November 6 and 11, with results declared on November 14.
The matter is scheduled to be heard on Friday by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
Citing a previous Supreme Court ruling, the petitioner has sought a direction for fresh elections in Bihar. It has also requested the court to instruct the Election Commission to frame clear guidelines governing freebie announcements and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes during elections.
Additionally, Jan Suraaj has demanded that the Election Commission mandate a minimum six-month cooling-off period for the ruling party, allowing announcements of welfare and free schemes only up to six months before the declaration of elections.
The Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme was launched by the Bihar government on September 26, 2025, weeks before the Assembly elections were announced.
