Key Points:
- Prashant Kishore’s Hunger Strike Ends in Detention: The Jan Suraj chief was taken into custody after days of fasting to protest alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination.
- Protest Site Cleared: Patna Police vacated Gandhi Maidan, where Kishore and protesting candidates were staging their demonstration.
- BPSC Controversy Intensifies: Kishore vowed to challenge the irregularities in the Bihar High Court on January 7.
- Political Call to Action: Kishore urged opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav to join and lead the protest against BPSC’s alleged misconduct.
- Public Discontent Grows: The hunger strike spotlighted growing anger among candidates over alleged examination leaks and corruption in the recruitment process.
Patna, Bihar: In a dramatic turn of events, Patna Police detained Jan Suraj chief and political strategist Prashant Kishore early Monday morning while he was leading an indefinite hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan. The hunger strike was in response to alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination, including claims of paper leaks that have left thousands of aspirants disillusioned.
Protest Disbanded Amid Tensions
The police forcibly vacated Gandhi Maidan, where Kishore had been staging the protest alongside aggrieved candidates since January 2. Vehicles exiting the protest site were thoroughly inspected to prevent further congregation. Kishore was transported away in an ambulance under heavy security.
Before being taken into custody, Kishore addressed the media, reaffirming his commitment to the cause. “This isn’t the end for us. We will file a petition in the Bihar High Court on January 7, demanding justice for the students affected by BPSC’s alleged malpractices,” he declared.
Calls for Political Support
On Sunday, Kishore had made a public appeal to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and opposition figure Tejashwi Yadav to spearhead the movement. “Tejashwi Yadav is a prominent political figure and a voice for Bihar’s youth. His leadership is crucial for this protest,” Kishore said, responding to Yadav’s earlier statements on the issue.
The Allegations and Fallout
The allegations against the BPSC include claims of paper leaks, favoritism, and mismanagement in the examination process. These accusations have not only tarnished the credibility of the commission but also fueled widespread public outrage. Aspirants have demanded the cancellation of the tainted examination and immediate action against those responsible.
Kishore’s hunger strike was intended to bring attention to these grievances and press the government for reforms. However, the Bihar government has remained largely silent on the issue, leading to accusations of indifference toward the plight of its youth.
Legal Action Planned
Jan Suraj leaders have confirmed their plans to escalate the matter legally, with a petition challenging the legitimacy of the BPSC exams set to be filed in the Bihar High Court. Meanwhile, political analysts are closely watching how this incident impacts Kishore’s standing in Bihar’s political landscape and the opposition’s response to the public outcry.
Growing Public Discontent
Kishore’s detention has drawn mixed reactions. While supporters laud his commitment to the cause, critics accuse him of political opportunism. However, the protest has undeniably shed light on the growing frustration among Bihar’s youth over corruption in the recruitment process.
What Lies Ahead?
As the dust settles on Gandhi Maidan, the focus now shifts to the upcoming legal battle and the response of Bihar’s opposition parties. Whether this protest becomes a turning point in Bihar’s political narrative remains to be seen.
