Jan Suraj founder Prashant Kishor was detained by Patna Police during his fast unto death demanding cancellation of BPSC exams. According to the information, at around 4 am on Monday morning, he was forcibly picked up from the fast site at Gandhi Maidan and taken to AIIMS, Patna. Prashant Kishore was on fast unto death since January 2 with this demand.
Detention from fast site at 4 in the morning
Kishore’s team says that Bihar Police forcibly picked him up from the fast site at Gandhi Murti and took him to an unknown place in an ambulance. Prashant Kishor has refused to get treatment and has announced to continue his fast. A video of this incident has been released by news agency ANI, in which it is seen that the police are taking him away despite the protests of the supporters.
Kishore’s statement in support of YSS
On Sunday, Prashant Kishore said, “42 out of 51 members of the newly formed YSS (Youth and Students Union) have decided to take this movement forward. All these members are associated with different political organizations, but are agitating unitedly in the interest of students and youth.” Describing YSS as a completely non-political platform, he said that he is here only to support this movement.
Origin of BPSC dispute
BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) had directed to re-exam for some selected group of the exam held on 13th December. Under this, re-examination was organized on Saturday at 22 centers in Patna.
- Out of total 12,012 candidates, 8,111 downloaded their admit cards.
- However, only 5,943 students appeared in the examination.
- BPSC said in its statement that the examination was conducted peacefully at all the centers and no irregularities were reported.
Protest against lathicharge on students
In his statement, Prashant Kishor termed the police action taken on protesting students on December 29 as “murder of democracy”. On that day, water cannons were used and lathicharge was done on the protesting BPSC candidates. Kishore called it a symbol of the dictatorial mentality of the state government.
What is the impact of BPSC dispute?
There is deep resentment among students and youth regarding BPSC examination. The decision to re-conduct the examination and the police action taken against the students are raising questions on the administrative system. Prashant Kishor’s fast became a medium to raise this issue more vigorously.
Now it will be interesting to see how the government and the BPSC administration resolve this matter, as the protests are likely to intensify.
