Patna, January 6 : Jan Suraj Party founder and political strategist Prashant Kishor was arrested by the Bihar Police in the early hours of Saturday while on a hunger strike at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. Kishor, along with a few supporters, had been on an indefinite fast since January 2 to protest against the deteriorating education system and corruption in recruitment exams in Bihar. Party representatives claim that the arrest was forceful, with allegations of police misconduct, including slapping Kishor.
According to the Jan Suraj Party, Kishor was peacefully protesting against alleged malpractices in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exams. His supporters further claim that police took him away in an ambulance to an undisclosed location after he refused medical assistance. Despite his detention, Kishor has reportedly vowed to continue his hunger strike. The incident triggered a significant backlash, with his supporters staging protests on the streets of Patna, videos of which have since gone viral on social media.
Official Statement by the Administration
The Patna District Administration confirmed that Prashant Kishor, along with several supporters, was arrested around 3:45 AM on Saturday. The administration assured that all detainees were in good health and added that they would be presented before the court following due legal procedures.
In a statement, the administration explained that Kishor and his group were holding an illegal protest in a restricted area near the Gandhi statue at Gandhi Maidan. They had been repeatedly asked to shift their protest to the designated protest site at Gardnibagh, but they allegedly refused to comply. Despite multiple warnings and a formal notice, the group continued to occupy the restricted area, leading to their arrest. A First Information Report (FIR) had also been registered against the protesters prior to their detention.
Key Demands by Prashant Kishor
Prashant Kishor’s hunger strike centered around a five-point demand aimed at improving the education and employment situation in Bihar. His primary demands included:
- Independent probe into BPSC irregularities: He called for a high-level investigation into the alleged irregularities in the 70th preliminary examination conducted by BPSC and demanded a re-examination.
- Unemployment allowance: Kishor sought the implementation of the 2015 promise made under the Saat Nischay (Seven Resolves) scheme, which assured unemployment benefits to youth aged 18–35 years.
- Transparency on competitive exams: He urged the government to release a white paper on irregularities, including paper leaks, in competitive exams over the past decade and detail the actions taken against the culprits.
- Youth employment policies: Kishor highlighted the urgent need for concrete measures to tackle rising unemployment among Bihar’s youth.
- Reform in the examination process: He demanded systemic reforms in the examination and recruitment processes to prevent future instances of corruption.
Supporters Protest, Demand Kishor’s Release
Following Kishor’s arrest, several supporters gathered on the streets, shouting slogans against the administration. Videos circulating online show protesters clashing with police personnel, demanding Kishor’s immediate release. “Prashant Kishor is fighting for the rights of Bihar’s youth. His arrest is undemocratic and an attempt to suppress legitimate voices,” said a Jan Suraj Party member at the protest site.
Background of the Protest
Kishor’s agitation began after widespread reports of corruption in BPSC examinations surfaced. Several candidates had complained about malpractices in the recruitment process, including paper leaks and bribery. Kishor, who has been vocal about Bihar’s governance issues, initiated the hunger strike to bring attention to these grievances. His campaign has garnered significant public support, particularly from students and unemployed youth across the state.
Political Reactions
Kishor’s arrest has sparked a political debate in Bihar. Opposition leaders criticized the government’s handling of the situation, accusing it of being intolerant toward dissent.
“The arrest of Prashant Kishor shows the government’s authoritarian approach. Instead of addressing genuine issues raised by him, they chose to silence his voice. This is a dark day for democracy,” said an opposition leader.
Meanwhile, the ruling coalition defended the action, stating that law and order must be upheld. “No one is above the law. If anyone violates rules, appropriate action will be taken,” said a spokesperson from the Bihar government.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
