Opposition alleges Rs 70,000 crore scam as CAG flags accounting lapses in poll-bound Bihar

By | July 28, 2025
Bihar Legislative Assembly – Bihar ₹70,000 crore scam debate

Patna, July 28: Bihar’s political temperature has risen sharply ahead of the Assembly elections. The Opposition has accused the ruling government of a ₹70,000 crore scam, citing a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report that highlights major financial irregularities and accounting lapses.

CAG Report Sparks Controversy

The CAG report, tabled in the Bihar Assembly, points out serious gaps in financial records. Several departments failed to submit utilization certificates on time. Many expenditures remain unreconciled, especially in sectors like health, rural development, and infrastructure.

The audit states that delays and irregular fund transfers raise concerns about transparency. Such lapses leave large portions of state spending unverified, creating doubts about how public money was used.

Opposition Launches Sharp Attack

The Opposition, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), launched a scathing attack on the government. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the ruling coalition of diverting welfare funds.

“The CAG report exposes how public funds were mismanaged. This is not an error; it is a scam of ₹70,000 crore. We demand a high-level probe,” Yadav said.

The Congress, CPI (ML), and other parties joined the demand for an independent investigation. They allege that funds meant for development projects were inflated or misused.

Ruling Government’s Response

The ruling coalition dismissed the scam allegations. Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary argued that the Opposition is misrepresenting the findings.

“The CAG mentions procedural delays, not corruption. The Opposition is twisting facts for political gains,” Choudhary said.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar defended his administration. He claimed that the government has already started corrective actions to resolve the accounting issues flagged by the CAG.

Possible Impact on Elections

With elections around the corner, the controversy may become a campaign weapon. The Opposition plans to make corruption a central theme, while the government will highlight its work on infrastructure and welfare.

Political analyst Amitabh Tiwari noted:

“Audit findings can influence voter sentiment. If the Opposition sustains its attack, the ruling coalition will need a strong defense.”

What the CAG Found

The CAG’s review of the 2023–24 fiscal year uncovered several lapses:

  • Pending utilization certificates worth thousands of crores.
  • Unreconciled advances given to departments.
  • Underutilization of funds in key schemes like healthcare and education.
  • Irregular transfers of funds between departments.

Experts believe these issues reflect weak financial discipline that must be addressed immediately.

Public Reaction and Social Media Outcry

The allegations have exploded on social media. Hashtags such as #BiharScam and #70KcroreScam have trended for hours. Many citizens are demanding full transparency and legal action.

Civic groups want the CBI or Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate. Some activists have urged the Election Commission to take note of the controversy, given its timing before the polls.

What Lies Ahead?

The Opposition is preparing for statewide protests. The government plans to publish a white paper explaining the expenditure details. Both sides are trying to control the narrative as election campaigning heats up.

Observers believe the issue of corruption will remain a flashpoint, along with unemployment and infrastructure development.

Conclusion

The ₹70,000 crore controversy has set the stage for a high-stakes political battle in Bihar. The Opposition sees the CAG report as evidence of corruption, while the government calls it an administrative lapse.

The real test will be how voters respond to these allegations when they head to the polls. For now, the debate over financial accountability continues to dominate Bihar’s political scene.