Lagatar24 Desk
Patna: Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor was detained by Patna Police on Monday during his indefinite hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan, protesting alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination. The police cleared the protest site, conducting vehicle checks in the surrounding areas.
Kishor began his fast-unto-death on January 2 to support students demanding the cancellation of the 70th Combined Competitive Preliminary Examination (CCE Prelims) held on December 13, 2024, over claims of question paper leaks.
Clash During Detention
Patna Police detained Kishor and transferred him to an ambulance, leading to clashes between the police and Kishor’s supporters. Undeterred, Kishor reaffirmed his resolve to continue advocating for the students’ cause and announced plans to file a petition in the high court on January 7.
“It’s not about whether we continue this protest; we will stand firm. Our party will file a petition in the high court,” Kishor said.
Call to Tejashwi Yadav
On Sunday, Kishor joined protesting students at Gandhi Maidan, urging RJD leader and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav to take the lead in the agitation. “He is a tall leader and should lead this protest. We are here for the students’ agenda, not politics,” Kishor said.
He also dismissed allegations of vanity van usage during the protest, emphasizing the grassroots nature of the movement. “Look around, spot the vanity van if you can. We are here to stay,” he added.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Criticism
RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav accused the BJP of politicizing the protest and infiltrating it with their supporters. He alleged that the protest had been co-opted by BJP’s “B team” to dilute the movement’s independent spirit.
“The BJP is using this protest for political gains, undermining the genuine demands of students. This is highly condemnable,” Yadav stated.
He also dismissed claims about Kishor’s protest, likening it to a staged act, saying, “Actors sit in vanity vans; we know who the producers and directors are.”
Students’ Demands
BPSC aspirants have been demanding the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) and a re-test following reports of question paper leaks. The protests have drawn widespread attention, with Kishor and students urging accountability and reform in the state’s examination processes.
