In a rare, wide-ranging conversation that has set political circles abuzz, Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary broke his silence on some of the most pressing electoral and governance issues in an exclusive interview with Live Times.

The candid exchange with veteran journalist and Live Times Director-News Deepak Chaurasia aired on the channel’s flagship show ‘Point Blank Special’.

Choudhary began by strongly condemning the recent vandalism at the Congress office, calling it “wrong and avoidable” while underlining that protest must never spill into violence. On the issue of personal attacks targeting the Prime Minister’s family, he was unequivocal: “Differences should remain ideological; personal abuse is against democratic values.” His remarks were widely read as a call for more mature debate in what has become an increasingly polarised political environment.

Addressing the upcoming elections, Choudhary dismissed allegations of vote tampering, branding them as myths aimed at misleading voters. He highlighted Nitish Kumar’s governance record, citing a sharp reduction in poverty—from 40 percent to 16 percent—and the growth of engineering colleges from just two to institutions in every district. On questions raised about the Chief Minister’s health and grip on administration, he was blunt: “Those who know him understand his discipline, honesty, and focus on development. Such claims are nothing but political gimmicks.”

The minister also made headlines with his call for minimum educational qualifications for legislators, arguing that if doctors, judges, and accountants must be qualified, politicians too should meet standards to lead responsibly. “Bihar deserves educated and capable leadership,” he asserted, igniting a fresh debate on political accountability and representation.

Speaking about the opposition’s strategies, including Prashant Kishor’s interventions and Chirag Paswan’s political ambitions, Choudhary expressed confidence in the Janata Dal (United)’s alliance with the BJP and dismissed talk of realignments. He stressed that the party’s core strength and leadership continuity remain intact.

Reflecting on the significance of such candid political discourse, Deepak Chaurasia said, “In today’s fast-paced media environment, it is imperative to provide a platform for leaders to present their perspectives candidly. Point Blank Special aims to delve into the heart of political narratives, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of the issues that matter.”

Echoing him, Dilip, Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Live Times, added, “Truthful journalism is the backbone of a healthy democracy. At Live Times, we are committed to presenting facts without distortion, giving citizens the clarity they need to make informed decisions, and holding leaders accountable through honest reporting.”

The interview also touched on broader development priorities including infrastructure, education, and welfare schemes. Choudhary’s emphasis on measurable progress and inclusive growth has struck a chord as Bihar gears up for a fiercely contested election. Analysts say his remarks not only highlight Nitish Kumar’s governance record but also attempt to set the tone for the state’s political debate in the weeks ahead.