Lagatar24 Desk
Patna: A fresh political flashpoint has emerged in Bihar as Jan Suraaj campaign leader Prashant Kishor faces an FIR for leading a protest in a prohibited area. The FIR, filed at the Secretariat police station, names Kishor and approximately 300 unidentified supporters for allegedly disturbing public order and violating restrictions. City SP (Central) Diksha confirmed the development.
Protest over governance issues turns confrontational
The protest was timed with the monsoon session of the Bihar Assembly, where Kishor and his supporters aimed to highlight issues such as corruption in education, health, employment, and land survey sectors. The march towards the Assembly was blocked near Chitkohra roundabout with barricades. However, protestors attempted to breach the barriers, prompting police to resort to baton charge and water cannons. Several demonstrators were injured, and Kishor was briefly detained before being released.
Kishor calls it dictatorship, warns of bigger protest
Reacting strongly to the FIR, Prashant Kishor labelled the action as a reflection of authoritarianism by the state government. “This is just the beginning. If the government refuses to hear us, next time one lakh people will take to the streets,” he declared. Kishor accused the administration of ignoring public grievances and trying to crush dissent.
Contrasting narratives from protestors and police
While Jan Suraaj supporters maintain their protest was peaceful and within democratic bounds, authorities claim it was held without prior permission in a restricted zone. SP Diksha stated that repeated warnings were issued to the protestors before minimal force was used to prevent escalation.
Kishor’s growing political footprint in Bihar
Once a master election strategist for leaders like Modi, Nitish, and Mamata, Prashant Kishor is now positioning himself as an alternative political force in Bihar. His Jan Suraaj initiative — involving a 3,000-km march across over 5,000 villages — has brought him grassroots visibility, particularly among youth and rural voters. While his party didn’t see electoral success in the 2024 bypolls, his vocal stance on governance, jobs, and education continues to resonate with a growing base.
