The ongoing BPSC aspirants protest in Bihar took a dramatic turn on Sunday night after police resorted to lathicharge on students demanding the cancellation of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) preliminary examination.
The protest by Bihar students at Patna's Gardanibagh soon shifted focus when the angry aspirants turned their ire towards political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor.
Tensions rise at protest site
When Prashant Kishor arrived at the protest site to show his support, he was met with chants of "Prashant Kishor, go back." BPSC aspirants accused him of being absent during the Bihar Police lathicharge earlier in the night.
Heated exchanges followed, especially after Kishor reportedly commented, "You take blankets from us and then show us attitude?" This remark further angered the students, who questioned, "Where was Prashant Kishor during the lathicharge?"
Kishor had previously given an ultimatum to the Bihar government, demanding that the concerns of the protesting Bihar students be addressed within three days or he would lead the protests himself. Despite his earlier support, the incident on Sunday strained his relationship with the protesters.
Protest by Bihar students gains momentum
Thousands of BPSC aspirants gathered at Gandhi Maidan on Sunday to demand a re-examination and a meeting with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This BPSC protest in Bihar began on December 13, the day of the examination, with support from key political figures, educationists, and activists.
Also Read: FIR against Kishor for 'inciting' BPSC aspirants’ protest
Kishor defends actions, vows continued support
On Monday, Prashant Kishor addressed the allegations in a press conference, defending his actions and reaffirming his support for the BPSC aspirants protest.
He stated that the protest had been organised by the students themselves as part of the "Chhatra Sansad" (Student Parliament).
Kishor explained that he had advised the students to disperse peacefully before leaving the site, only for the lathicharge to occur 45 minutes later. He condemned the police's actions, announced plans to file an FIR against Patna Police, and said he would take the issue to court and the Human Rights Commission.
He further warned that if no resolution is achieved during a delegation meeting with the government, he would join the protest himself starting January 2.
Legal and political fallout
The Bihar Police has filed a case against Prashant Kishor and others, accusing them of instigating the BPSC student protest. According to the police, Kishor and his team provoked the students, causing disturbances across the city.
Meanwhile, a four-member delegation representing the protesters has submitted a memorandum to the Governor, seeking intervention in the matter.
As tensions continue to simmer, the BPSC protest by Bihar students has highlighted the growing frustration among aspirants over alleged irregularities in the examination process.
Also Read: BPSC row: Yadav slams Kishor’s party as Nitish’s ‘B-team’
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