Patna, January 6: Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor was arrested on Saturday as protests against the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) escalated in Patna. Kishor, who had been leading an indefinite hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan, was detained after clashes broke out between protestors and police.
The protests, which began over alleged irregularities in the BPSC examination process, have gained momentum over the past week. Demonstrators, comprising aspirants and civil society members, allege a lack of transparency and fairness in the recruitment process, demanding a review of results and stricter measures against corruption in the commission.
Tensions Escalate at Gandhi Maidan
Prashant Kishor’s hunger strike, which started three days ago, aimed to pressure the state government to address the grievances of the agitating aspirants. However, the situation took a turn for the worse as a large number of protestors gathered at Gandhi Maidan on Saturday, leading to confrontations with law enforcement.
Eyewitnesses reported that the situation escalated when police attempted to disperse the crowd, citing security concerns and alleged violations of assembly restrictions. Tear gas and water cannons were reportedly used, while protestors responded with slogans and barricades.
Following the clashes, police moved in to vacate Gandhi Maidan. Kishor and several other key protestors were detained in the process, with authorities claiming the action was necessary to maintain public order.
Government’s Response
The Bihar government has yet to release an official statement addressing the allegations against the BPSC. However, a senior police officer stated that the protests had “crossed permissible limits” and posed a threat to law and order in the city.
“We respect the right to peaceful protest, but public safety cannot be compromised,” the officer said. “The situation at Gandhi Maidan was spiraling out of control, necessitating prompt action.”
Protestors Demand Justice
Speaking before his arrest, Prashant Kishor criticized the Nitish Kumar-led government for ignoring the concerns of aspiring civil servants. “This is not just about one examination. It’s about a system that repeatedly fails the youth of Bihar,” he said, urging the government to engage in dialogue and implement immediate reforms.
Protestors at the site echoed these sentiments, demanding greater accountability from the BPSC and an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Opposition Reacts
The opposition parties in Bihar have seized the opportunity to criticize the government. Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav condemned the crackdown, calling it an attack on democratic rights.
“Instead of addressing the genuine concerns of aspirants, the government is resorting to high-handed tactics to suppress dissent. This shows the complete failure of governance under Nitish Kumar,” Yadav said in a statement.
What’s Next?
Kishor’s detention and the clearing of Gandhi Maidan have left the future of the protests uncertain. Supporters have vowed to continue the agitation, with some planning to escalate their demonstrations in other parts of the state.
Meanwhile, legal experts and civil society groups have expressed concerns over the handling of the protests, urging the government to prioritize dialogue over force.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about governance and civil liberties in Bihar, with observers closely watching how the state administration addresses the unrest in the coming days.
