Lagatar24 Desk
Patna: In a tense protest by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants demanding a re-examination of the 70th BPSC preliminary examination, political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor faced backlash from the protesters. Late Sunday night, at Gardanibagh in Patna, students asked Kishor to leave the protest site, alleging his absence during the earlier police lathicharge.
As Kishor arrived, protesters shouted slogans such as “Prashant Kishor, go back,” accusing him of failing to stand by them during the violent crackdown by the Bihar Police. In a heated exchange, Kishor retorted, “You take blankets from us and then show us attitude?”—further aggravating the crowd.
Protesters Question Kishor’s Role
The protesting students, angered by Kishor’s perceived lack of presence during the lathicharge, demanded accountability. “Where was Prashant Kishor during the lathicharge?” they asked, highlighting their frustrations over alleged police brutality.
Earlier on Friday, Kishor, the leader of the Jan Suraj movement, had given a three-day ultimatum to the Bihar government to address the demands of the aspirants, promising to lead protests himself if no action was taken.
Kishor’s Response and Support
On Monday, Kishor addressed a press conference, reaffirming his support for the students and refuting allegations of abandoning the protest. He outlined his involvement in the “Chhatra Sansad” (Student Parliament) and detailed his attempts to mediate between the administration and the protesters.
Kishor condemned the police lathicharge, announced plans to file an FIR against Patna Police, and vowed to take the matter to the Human Rights Commission and the courts. He further promised to join the protest himself starting January 2 if the issue remained unresolved.
Legal and Political Developments
The Bihar Police filed a case against Kishor and his party members, accusing them of instigating the protests. Police alleged that Kishor provoked the aspirants to disrupt order in Patna.
Meanwhile, a four-member delegation from the protesters reached the Governor’s residence to submit a memorandum outlining their demands.
The protest, ongoing since December 13, has drawn support from political leaders, educationists, and activists, with thousands of aspirants gathering at Gandhi Maidan to demand justice and accountability from the Bihar government.
