NEW DELHI: A police case has been filed against Prashant Kishore, the former poll strategist-turned-politician, following his participation in a student protest on Sunday, which demanded the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exams. The protestors, largely BPSC aspirants, have been calling for a re-test of the 70th Combined Competitive Preliminary Examination (CCE Prelims), and Kishore’s involvement in the demonstration at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan has drawn significant attention to the issue.
The Patna district magistrate (DM) confirmed that an FIR had been filed for organizing the unauthorized gathering. Despite official warnings that protests at Gandhi Maidan would be considered unlawful, the protestors proceeded with their plans. “An FIR has been filed against 21 identified individuals, including Prashant Kishore, his party president Manoj Bharti, city tutor Ramanshu Mishra, and approximately 600-700 unidentified individuals for organizing the rally without prior approval,” said DM Chandrashekar Singh.
Prashant Kishore’s Defense
Prashant Kishore, also the founder of the Jan Suraaj party, defended his actions, clarifying, “We are not leading a protest; we are simply meeting with the students. Gandhi Maidan is a public space, and if students don’t have an alternative, they will naturally gather there. I don’t understand why the government is turning this into a matter of pride—it’s harming its own image.”
Kishore further stressed the importance of democratic expression, stating, “Bihar has been the cradle of democracy, and if students are not allowed to voice their concerns, it signals a shift towards an oppressive regime.” He announced that a five-member student delegation would meet with the Chief Secretary to present their demands. Kishore also urged the protestors to temporarily suspend their demonstrations but assured them that they would resume their actions the following day if no progress was made.
Despite his appeal, the protestors remained firm in their demand for a re-examination and continued their march towards the Chief Minister’s residence. This led to confrontations with the police, culminating in baton charges. The protestors refused to engage in political discussions and remained focused solely on their demand for a re-test.
Police Response and Clashes
City Superintendent of Police (SP) Sweety Sahrawat provided details on the police’s actions, stating that the officers had requested the students to vacate the area due to the absence of a designated representative. While Sahrawat claimed that water cannons were used, she denied baton charges were deployed. However, video footage of the incident contradicted her statement, showing police officers using force against the protestors. “We attempted to engage with the students, but they refused to leave. After being pushed, we had no choice but to use water cannons,” she said.
The peaceful protest soon escalated as the students breached barricades and marched toward the Chief Minister’s residence, chanting anti-government slogans. The growing tension led to the police deploying water cannons and baton charges to disperse the crowd. Several protestors were injured in the altercation, and footage from the scene showed the chaotic situation as the police struggled to regain control.
Sahrawat confirmed that a number of the more aggressive protestors had been detained, and an FIR would be filed against them for disturbing public order. “Around 11-12 protestors were detained for their actions,” she added.
Government and Political Reactions
In the wake of the clashes, District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh declared Gandhi Maidan a restricted area, forbidding any further gatherings. Police conducted area domination operations to prevent further flare-ups and maintain control.
Political reactions to the incident came swiftly, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav condemning the police’s actions. Yadav described the lathi-charge as “deeply painful” and expressed solidarity with the BPSC aspirants. “The visuals of the lathi charge are troubling. These students were protesting against the normalization of the exam,” Yadav said in a video message. He criticized the government’s handling of the situation and questioned the logic behind the cancellation of the exam at only one center if the paper had been leaked. “If there was a paper leak, why cancel the exam only at one center? This selective cancellation is the ‘normalization’ they’re referring to. Students have every right to demand a re-test,” he added, aligning himself with their cause.
The protests, along with the police’s heavy-handed response, have brought the ongoing frustrations of students into the limelight, raising questions about the government’s handling of student protests, transparency in the examination process, and the role of political figures in such movements. With no resolution in sight, the situation in Bihar remains tense, and the future of the protests is uncertain as BPSC aspirants continue to demand fairness in the examination process.
The events surrounding the protests highlight the increasing challenges faced by students in their pursuit of justice, while also questioning the methods used by authorities to address such movements. As the situation evolves, the public and political figures alike will be watching closely to see how the government responds to these calls for a transparent, fair resolution.
