Case filed against Prashant Kishor for allegedly inciting BPSC aspirants' protest

The Bihar Police has lodged a case against Prashant Kishor, poll strategist-turned-politician, and several others in connection with the ongoing protests by aspirants of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examinations. The protests, centered at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, have drawn thousands of participants demanding a re-examination of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) and a direct meeting with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

The protests, which began on December 13, gained momentum after allegations of a question paper leak and other irregularities during the preliminary examination surfaced. Aspirants have accused the BPSC of misconduct, including delayed question paper distribution and torn answer sheets, raising concerns of malpractice.

An FIR has been registered against 19 identified individuals, including Jan Suraaj Party leaders Manoj Bharti and Rahmanshu Mishra, along with Kishor’s security personnel. Additionally, over 600 unidentified persons have been named in the case for allegedly creating disturbances and violating administrative directives.

According to the police, the Jan Suraaj Party had sought permission to hold a “Chattra Sansad” (student parliament) at Gandhi Maidan. The district administration denied the request, citing potential disruptions. Despite the rejection, Kishor and his supporters allegedly led a large gathering near the Gandhi statue, sparking clashes and creating a law and order situation.

Kishor, who addressed the protesters on Sunday, accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of ignoring the youth's concerns. "The Chief Minister has time to visit Delhi for private engagements but cannot address the grievances of students in his own state," he said. He further called for an overhaul of Bihar's examination system, alleging rampant corruption and paper leaks in competitive exams.

Kishor expressed solidarity with the aspirants, vowing to support their demand for the cancellation of the 70th BPSC examination. “No examination in Bihar has been free of corruption. This system must change,” he declared.

The protests have sparked political controversy, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accusing Kishor of misleading the students. In a video statement, Yadav criticized the government for failing to address the issue and claimed that Kishor’s involvement had diluted the movement.

"This agitation began as a genuine students’ movement. But now, it seems some groups are working as the government's B team to derail the cause," Yadav said. He urged the aspirants to remain steadfast and assured them of RJD’s political backing to demand the exam’s cancellation.

The protests, marked by lathi charges and water cannons, continue to escalate, with aspirants refusing to relent until their demands are met. The BPSC has yet to issue a statement addressing the allegations.