Mon Jan 06 19:21:05 IST 2025: **Patna Politician Prashant Kishor Released on Bail, Defies Conditions, Vows to Continue Hunger Strike**
PATNA, INDIA – Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraj Party and a prominent political strategist, was arrested early Monday morning in Patna while participating in a hunger strike. He was released on bail just hours later, but has rejected the conditions of his release and declared his intention to continue his fast from jail.
Kishor, known as PK, had been staging a five-day hunger strike in solidarity with Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants. He was arrested around 4:00 AM from Gandhi Maidan. The Patna Civil Court granted him bail on a personal recognizance bond of ₹25,000, but the bail was conditional, prohibiting further protests in designated areas.
However, Kishor has refused to accept these conditions, stating that protesting is his right in a democracy. His lawyer, Shivanand Giri, confirmed that if Kishor does not fulfill the bail conditions, he will be returned to jail. Senior Advocate YV Giri is reportedly attempting to persuade Kishor to accept the bail. The judge has reportedly stated that she will not alter the conditions of her judgment.
Kishor’s defiance has sparked speculation that he may resume his hunger strike immediately upon his release. The Jan Suraj Party has also made serious allegations against the Patna police, claiming Kishor was assaulted during his arrest. The incident has further fueled political tensions in the state. Separately, questions have been raised about why Kishor’s arrest wasn’t made before his hunger strike began, especially given the seizure of his expensive vanity van.
First Piper 