A massive protest in Bihar on Sunday over the 70th Combined Competitive Examination organized by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) spiraled into violence, leading to a police case against political strategist-turned-leader Prashant Kishor, leaders of his Jan Suraaj Party, coaching center owners, and 700 unidentified individuals. The protesters, demanding a re-test following allegations of a paper leak, were accused by the police of unauthorized gatherings, instigating violence, and creating a law and order crisis.
The Jan Suraaj Party led a march near Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, which the police claimed was held without prior permission. The protest turned chaotic as demonstrators clashed with magistrates and police officers, breaking loudspeakers and prompting the use of batons and water cannons by law enforcement to disperse the crowd. The police alleged that despite repeated warnings, the protesters ignored guidelines, disrupting public order and necessitating action.
The students, who had gathered at Gandhi Maidan, planned to march towards JP Golambar and eventually to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s residence to present their demands. Their goal was to meet with the Chief Minister to discuss their concerns, but they refused to engage with any other officials, including the Chief Secretary, despite assurances from Prashant Kishor.
Prashant Kishor, who has been vocal in supporting the students, participated in the march and announced plans for a student delegation to meet state officials. He had earlier called for a “Chhatra Sansad” (Students’ Parliament) at Gandhi Maidan on Saturday, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, to strategize on addressing students’ grievances. However, the city administration denied permission for the event.
The Jan Suraaj Party, which rebranded itself as a political entity in October 2024 after two years of groundwork by Prashant Kishor, plans to contest all seats in the next Bihar assembly elections. Prashant Kishor, who transitioned from being an election strategist to a political leader, has positioned his party as a vehicle for change, focusing on substantive issues rather than electoral sops. He has promised a paradigm shift in the state’s political landscape.
Sunday’s events mark a significant escalation in student unrest in Bihar, highlighting mounting dissatisfaction with the state’s handling of examinations. As tensions remain high, the involvement of prominent political figures like Prashant Kishor has further intensified the spotlight on the ongoing crisis, raising questions about governance, accountability, and the future of Bihar’s political and educational systems.
