On January 6, 2025, Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraaj Party, was arrested by Bihar Police after being on a hunger strike for five days at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The protest was aimed at drawing attention to the alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exams, including claims of exam paper leaks and cheating. Kishor, who had started his hunger strike as a form of peaceful resistance, had vowed to continue his protest until the BPSC exam was canceled and a thorough investigation was conducted into the allegations.
Despite his arrest, Kishor remained resolute and declared that he would not end his hunger strike. He emphasized that the fight for a fair examination process in Bihar was larger than just one individual protest. The incident has sparked widespread discussion among students, political leaders, and civil society groups who are either supporting or criticizing Kishor’s drastic measures. Many young aspirants who feel disenfranchised by the alleged exam irregularities have rallied behind Kishor, while others view the protest as politically motivated.
Kishor’s arrest and continued hunger strike have also raised important questions about the right to protest and the handling of political dissent in Bihar. As public interest continues to grow, the outcome of Kishor’s hunger strike may play a significant role in shaping the future of the BPSC exam process and the political narrative in the state.