Prashant Kishor Emerges as Key Leader Amid Student Protests in Bihar by Bihar's BPSC aspirants

Patna: The ongoing agitation by Bihar’s BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) aspirants, which has been gaining momentum over the past ten days, reached a flashpoint today as the protest turned more intense. Political strategist-turned-social reformer Prashant Kishor has now stepped into the fray, joining the students at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. His active involvement is being seen as a significant development in the growing unrest over alleged corruption in the recruitment process, paper leaks, and demands for reforms in Bihar’s domicile policies.

Since the protest began, students have been demanding the cancellation of the BPSC’s 70th preliminary examination and a re-examination, citing large-scale irregularities. Kishor’s entry into the scene on the 10th day has raised eyebrows, with critics and supporters debating his intentions and strategy.The Protest’s EscalationThe student agitation began after the BPSC preliminary examination, conducted on December 13, came under fire for alleged malpractices at key exam centers. Candidates accused the government of widespread corruption, including paper leaks and mismanagement. The protest, which had largely been confined to examination grievances, has since grown into a larger movement questioning systemic issues such as recruitment irregularities, domicile policy changes, and administrative failures in Bihar.

Today, the students, who had been staging a peaceful demonstration at Gandhi Maidan under Mahatma Gandhi’s statue, decided to march toward the Chief Minister’s residence. The march gained momentum at JP Golambar near Maurya Hotel, where the police attempted to disperse the growing crowd. However, the students resisted, and tensions escalated. By late afternoon, the protest reached Patna’s Dak Bungalow intersection, where police had set up a heavy barricade to contain the unrest. Clashes appeared imminent as the situation grew increasingly volatile. Reports suggest that a lathi charge was carried out by the police to disperse the crowd, further aggravating the protesters.

Prashant Kishor’s Involvement

Prashant Kishor, the founder of the “Jan Suraaj” movement, arrived at Gandhi Maidan earlier today and expressed his solidarity with the students. Addressing the gathering, Kishor stated, “If we are to root out corruption in recruitment, stop paper leaks, and reform Bihar’s domicile policies, the students of Bihar must come together to fight this battle.” His remarks resonated with the students, who see him as a potential ally in their struggle.

However, Kishor’s involvement has also sparked debates. Critics argue that his appearance at this late stage is a calculated move to gain political mileage. For the first eight days of the protest, Kishor was notably absent, and many believe his entry is timed to capitalize on the opposition’s failure to seize the moment. Both Tejashwi Yadav and Pappu Yadav, key opposition leaders in Bihar, have been criticized for their lack of active involvement in the movement, leaving a leadership vacuum that Kishor appears eager to fill.

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Some political observers have likened Kishor’s actions to those of Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), the legendary leader who spearheaded a student-led revolution against corruption in the 1970s. While Kishor himself has not made any such claims, his presence amidst the students and his calls for systemic change have drawn parallels with JP’s movement.

Police Response and Student Reaction

The protest took a dramatic turn when reports of police action at Dak Bungalow intersection surfaced. Students alleged that the police resorted to lathi charges to disperse the crowd, injuring several protestors. This incident has further fueled anger among the students, with many calling for intensified demonstrations in the coming days.

Amidst the growing tension, Kishor urged the students to remain peaceful and law-abiding. “I request all students not to take any actions that go against the law. We will stand with you if any injustice occurs, but this movement must remain disciplined and focused,” he said. Kishor also revealed that senior government officials had approached the protestors for dialogue.

Government Response

According to Kishor, administrative officials have assured the students that their grievances will be heard. A five-member student delegation is expected to meet the Chief Secretary to discuss their demands, including the cancellation of the 70th BPSC preliminary examination and a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged malpractices. “If the students are not satisfied with the outcomes of the discussion, we will reconvene tomorrow morning to decide our next steps,” Kishor said, urging patience and caution among the protestors.The protest highlights deeper systemic issues plaguing Bihar’s recruitment processes and governance. Paper leaks, irregularities in examinations, and corruption in recruitment have long been concerns for students in the state. Kishor’s entry into the movement has added a new dimension, with many wondering if he aims to translate this agitation into a broader political opportunity.Kishor’s Jan Suraaj initiative, launched to bring systemic reforms in Bihar, is still in its formative stages. Aligning with student-led protests may bolster his image as a reformist leader, but it also risks criticism if his involvement is seen as opportunistic.

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What Lies Ahead

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the meeting between the student representatives and the Chief Secretary. The outcome of these discussions could determine the future trajectory of the protest. Meanwhile, Kishor’s role in the movement will likely continue to spark debates about his political ambitions and his ability to position himself as a transformative leader in Bihar’s turbulent political landscape.

For now, the student protest has emerged as a significant challenge for the Bihar government, spotlighting the urgent need for reforms in governance and recruitment systems. Whether this agitation can bring about meaningful change remains to be seen, but it has already underscored the growing frustration among Bihar’s youth with the state’s administration

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