December 30, 2024: A case has been registered against Prashant Kishor, the poll strategist-turned-politician, and several others for allegedly instigating protests by aspirants of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examinations. The demonstrations, which have been ongoing at Gandhi Maidan since December 13, are centered around demands for a re-examination of the 70th BPSC preliminary exam and a meeting with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

The Bihar Police have accused Kishor and members of his Jan Suraaj Party of provoking the aspirants to intensify their protest, leading to disturbances in Patna. On Saturday, the Jan Suraaj Party had informed the district administration about their plan to hold a Chattra Sansad (student parliament) at Gandhi Maidan. However, the administration rejected the request, citing concerns over public order. Despite this, an unauthorized gathering took place near the Gandhi statue on Sunday, which the police claim escalated the situation.

The case has been filed against more than 19 individuals, including Kishor, Manoj Bharti (the party president), coaching institute operators, and two bouncers accompanying Kishor. Over 600 unidentified individuals have also been listed as accused in connection with the unauthorized protest. Patna District Magistrate confirmed the filing of the case and stated that an investigation is underway.

The protests have seen thousands of aspirants raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the BPSC examination process. The demonstrators have received support from politicians, educationists, and activists, further amplifying their demands. Kishor, who has been vocal in his backing of the aspirants, accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of neglecting the youth of Bihar. In a statement on Sunday, he criticized the alleged corruption in the examination process and questioned Kumar’s priorities, saying the Chief Minister had time for private visits to Delhi but not for addressing the grievances of students.

Kishor is expected to hold a press conference at 11 am today to respond to the allegations and address the ongoing controversy. Meanwhile, the protest at Gandhi Maidan continues to draw large crowds, with aspirants reiterating their demands for transparency and fairness in the BPSC examination process.

As the situation unfolds, the tensions between the state administration and the aspirants show no signs of abating, marking another chapter in the ongoing debate over governance and accountability in Bihar.