Patna: A contentious confrontation occurred on Sunday night in Patna between students and political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, who faced accusations of neglecting his responsibilities during police actions against demonstrators.
The police employed lathi-charge tactics against aspirants of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), prompting the protesters to express their frustration towards Kishor, who had previously endorsed their cause.
At Gardanibagh in Patna, the aspirants called for Kishor to withdraw, claiming he was absent when law enforcement deployed water cannons and batons against them.
Upon his arrival, Kishor was greeted with chants of “Prashant Kishor, go back,” which led to a heated exchange with student leaders. The situation intensified when he commented, “You take blankets from us and then show us attitude,” as reported by India Today.
This remark further incensed the protesters, who were already aggrieved by the police’s actions and Kishor’s lack of presence. They questioned, “Where was Prashant Kishor during the lathicharge?”
On Sunday, thousands of aspirants gathered at Gandhi Maidan, demanding a re-examination of the 70th BPSC preliminary exam and a meeting with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The protest, which commenced on December 13, coinciding with the exam date, has garnered support from prominent politicians, educators, and activists.
After being confronted by frustrated BPSC aspirants who were discontented with his absence during the lathicharge, Prashant Kishor held a press conference on Monday. He denied the accusations and provided a comprehensive account of the situation, reiterating his unwavering support for the students’ cause. Kishor also emphasized that the students were at the forefront of the movement, as agreed upon during the ‘Chhatra Sansad’ (Student Parliament).
