Prashant Kishor begins fast, demands BPSC cancellation.
Jan Suraaj leader Prashant Kishor has taken an aggressive stance, launching a fast-unto-death in protest over the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam. His move comes after he faced severe criticism from both ruling and opposition leaders in the state. The criticism followed a demonstration he staged on Sunday, which ended in a violent confrontation with the police. During the protest, police resorted to lathi charges and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Kishor’s fast is now drawing significant attention to the BPSC issue, with escalating tensions surrounding his demand for its cancellation.
Prashant Kishor Begins Fast-Unto-Death to Demand BPSC Exam Cancellation
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor escalated his protest on Thursday by starting a fast-unto-death, pressing his demand for the cancellation of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination (CCE) 2024, Kishor chose the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, the state capital, as the location for his hunger strike. This move comes three days after he issued a “48-hour ultimatum” to the Nitish Kumar government, urging immediate action on the grievances raised by aggrieved candidates regarding the exam.
Kishor’s hunger strike has drawn considerable attention, particularly due to the ongoing controversy surrounding the BPSC exam. Allegations of a question paper leak have emerged, with many candidates expressing dissatisfaction with the process and questioning the fairness of the exam. Kishor, who has been vocal about the issue, called for the cancellation of the exam held on December 13 and demanded a fresh test. Additionally, he accused some corrupt officials of exploiting the exam process and suggested that the posts intended to be filled through the examination were “virtually put on sale.” He urged the authorities to identify and bring those responsible for this corruption to justice.
Kishor’s fast is a culmination of weeks of unrest among the candidates who feel cheated by the BPSC’s handling of the examination. The demand for cancellation gained significant momentum after several candidates raised concerns about the integrity of the exam. The issue of a question paper leak has only fueled public outrage, and Kishor’s decision to fast-unto-death is seen as a dramatic step to highlight the seriousness of the situation and to put pressure on the government to take swift action.
Administrative Response
The Bihar state administration has reacted strongly to Kishor’s fast, stating that his protest at Gandhi Maidan is illegal, as it is not designated as a site for public demonstrations. Despite this, Kishor, accompanied by a group of supporters, continued his protest, with his supporters voicing their backing for the cause. Kishor’s decision to fast-unto-death has added a layer of urgency to the situation, particularly in light of the allegations of corruption that have plagued the exam process.
The administration’s response has highlighted a continuing tension between Kishor and the state government. Kishor, a well-known political figure and former strategist, has faced significant criticism from both the ruling party and opposition leaders in the state. His recent demonstration on Sunday, which was aimed at garnering attention for his cause, ended in a lathi charge by police and the use of water cannons to disperse the crowd. This confrontation further fueled the political row, as both sides exchanged harsh words and accusations.
Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement
The central issue behind Kishor’s fast-unto-death revolves around the allegations of corruption in the BPSC exam process. According to candidates, the examination process has been marred by irregularities, leading to a feeling of disillusionment and frustration. Kishor has joined the calls for accountability, insisting that those responsible for the alleged question paper leak and other fraudulent activities must be held accountable. His demand for a fresh examination reflects the widespread dissatisfaction with the integrity of the current process.
Candidates who have been protesting at Gardani Bagh for nearly two weeks now have been calling for the immediate cancellation of the BPSC exam, citing unfairness in the selection process. The protesters, who are largely young aspirants seeking government jobs, have gathered at the sit-in camp to press their demand for justice. The situation has become a flashpoint for political and social tension in the state, as the voices of the aggrieved candidates have grown louder, attracting the attention of local politicians and civil society organizations.
Growing Support and Political Fallout
Kishor’s fast-unto-death has resonated with a broad segment of the population, including many who feel that the examination process has been hijacked by corrupt practices. The support for his protest has been growing, with several political leaders, activists, and citizens expressing solidarity with his cause. However, his decision to intensify his protest has also led to more significant political fallout.
The political landscape in Bihar has become increasingly polarized, with Kishor’s stand against the BPSC exam becoming a point of contention between the ruling and opposition parties. Kishor, who founded the Jan Suraaj movement, has become a prominent figure in Bihar’s political scene, and his stance on this issue is likely to have lasting political implications. His actions have already drawn sharp reactions from both sides, as the state’s political leaders maneuver to take advantage of the situation.
In the face of increasing public unrest and mounting pressure from candidates, Kishor’s hunger strike serves as a dramatic demonstration of his commitment to the cause. His protest is likely to continue drawing attention in the coming days, particularly as the political and administrative tensions surrounding the BPSC exam and the demand for cancellation escalate.