Tue Jan 07 13:41:25 IST 2025: **Patna Politician Prashant Kishor Arrested, Released, and Vows to Continue Hunger Strike**
PATNA, Bihar — Jan. 7, 2025 — Political strategist and Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor was arrested early Monday morning for leading a hunger strike protesting the alleged leakage of a Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam. Kishor, who began his fast-unto-death on January 2nd under Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, was initially granted conditional bail, which he refused. He was later released on unconditional bail and announced his intention to continue his protest, with the new location to be revealed on Tuesday.
The protest centers around the BPSC’s 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), with allegations of a paper leak at one exam center. While a re-examination was conducted at the affected center, Kishor’s actions are viewed by some as politically motivated, given the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in October-November. His newly formed Jan Suraaj Party performed poorly in recent by-elections, fueling speculation that this protest is a strategic move to gain visibility.
The arrest, captured in a viral video showing Kishor being slapped by a police officer, sparked controversy. While the opposition expressed support for the protesting exam candidates, Kishor’s approach and the timing of his protest have drawn criticism. One anonymous BPSC examinee stated that the paper leak allegations were unfounded. Despite the arrest and legal proceedings, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar continued his ongoing “Pragati Yatra,” seemingly unfazed by the political drama unfolding in Patna. The incident highlights the charged political atmosphere in Bihar as the election approaches.
First Piper 