Prashant Kishor, the founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, was arrested on Monday by the Patna Police during his hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan, which he had undertaken to demand the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam. Kishor had been on a fast since January 2, leading a protest that drew significant public and political attention. His arrest, which occurred amid heightened tensions at the protest site, sparked an outcry among his supporters, many of whom raised slogans like "Vande Mataram" in defiance of the police action. Kishor was forcibly removed from the site and transported to AIIMS Patna in an ambulance under heavy police presence.
Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh confirmed that Kishor, along with his supporters, had been taken into custody. Singh stated that the protest at Gandhi Maidan violated a Patna High Court directive that restricts dharnas to Gardani Bagh, the officially designated site for such activities. "The administration had no choice but to act within the framework of the law," Singh said, adding that Kishor and his supporters would be presented before a court. An FIR had earlier been lodged against Kishor and 150 of his supporters, accusing them of staging an "illegal" protest.
The arrest came after days of mounting tension between the Jan Suraaj Party and the state administration. Kishor's demand for the cancellation of the BPSC’s integrated 70th Combined Preliminary Competitive Test stems from allegations of a question paper leak during the December 13 exam. The BPSC had ordered a retest for select candidates on January 4, which was conducted at 22 centers in Patna. While the commission declared the retest free of malpractice, Kishor and his party have argued that the measures taken were insufficient and demanded the complete annulment of the original exam.
The retest saw 5,943 of the 12,012 eligible candidates appearing, with many expressing doubts about the fairness of the process. Kishor has maintained that the integrity of the recruitment process is at stake, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. "This is not just about one exam; it is about restoring the faith of students and aspirants in our public institutions," he said before his arrest.
In response to Kishor’s hunger strike and subsequent arrest, JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar criticized the Jan Suraaj Party founder, accusing him of flouting legal norms and engaging in political theatrics. Kumar questioned Kishor’s sincerity, alleging that the protest was orchestrated and lacked genuine intent. "Prashant Kishor ignored the law and chose Gandhi Maidan, knowing it was against the court’s order. Students are wise enough to see through his gimmicks," Kumar said. He also highlighted reports of Kishor using a vanity van and carrying blankets, implying that the hunger strike was a staged event.
Despite the administration's efforts to downplay the issue, the arrest has further galvanized support for Kishor among his followers and sections of the student community. Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes at Gandhi Maidan, with police personnel removing Kishor while his supporters resisted and chanted patriotic slogans. Many criticized the government’s heavy-handed approach, arguing that the action was undemocratic and aimed at suppressing dissent.
Following his arrest, Kishor announced that the Jan Suraaj Party would file a petition in the Patna High Court on January 7 to challenge the BPSC’s handling of the examination process. "Our fight will continue in the courts and on the streets. We are committed to ensuring justice for the aspirants who have been wronged," Kishor said. He also reassured his supporters that the movement would persist, urging them to remain steadfast and peaceful.
In the aftermath of the arrest, the Patna Police intensified security measures around Gandhi Maidan, conducting thorough checks of vehicles leaving the area to prevent further unrest. Authorities also warned against unauthorized gatherings, signaling a firm stance against potential escalation.
The incident has put the spotlight on the broader issue of recruitment and examination transparency in Bihar, a state that has witnessed several controversies in recent years regarding competitive exams. Kishor’s protest has tapped into the frustrations of a significant section of students and job seekers, turning it into a focal point of political and social debate. Observers believe that the ongoing standoff could have far-reaching implications, not only for Kishor's political trajectory but also for public confidence in the state’s administrative processes.
As the situation develops, Kishor’s hunger strike and arrest are likely to remain a flashpoint for debate, with opposition parties, civil society groups, and students weighing in on the unfolding drama. The government’s handling of the issue, particularly its approach to dissent and transparency, will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized in the days to come.
