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The recent protests in Bihar surrounding alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination have ignited a significant political firestorm. Students, frustrated by what they claim were widespread issues with the exam, including leaked question papers, delayed distribution of materials, and damaged answer sheets, took to the streets demanding a re-examination. Their demonstrations, initially peaceful, escalated dramatically following the involvement of election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor and a subsequent forceful police crackdown.
Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraaj, actively participated in the protests, organizing a 'Chhatra Sansad' (students' parliament) at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. While Kishor claims the meeting was aimed at finding a peaceful solution and that the subsequent march towards Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence was a student-led initiative, his involvement has drawn considerable criticism. Videos circulating online depict tense interactions between Kishor and protesters, with some accusing him of abandoning the students before the police intervention. One viral video shows a heated exchange where a protester questions Kishor's motives, highlighting a perceived disconnect between Kishor's pronouncements of support and his actions during the police crackdown.
The police response to the protest involved a lathicharge and water cannons, leading to widespread condemnation from opposition parties. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the main opposition party, has vehemently criticized the police action, accusing Kishor of being a BJP 'B-team' operative who deliberately incited the protest and then withdrew, leaving the students vulnerable. Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav highlighted the peaceful nature of the initial protests and argued that the police crackdown was a calculated attempt to suppress the student movement and undermine the pressure it was placing on the government and the BPSC. The RJD's accusations are amplified by various tweets shared on their official handle, further accusing Kishor of attempting to intimidate protesters and viewing the public as paid staff.
Other opposition parties, including the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have also strongly condemned the government's response. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra denounced the use of force against the students in the cold weather, while AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal characterized the action as an attack on democracy. The widespread criticism underscores the deep political divisions in Bihar and the sensitivity surrounding the BPSC exam controversy. The incident highlights the complex interplay between student activism, political maneuvering, and the potential for escalating tensions between protesters and law enforcement.
The controversy surrounding Prashant Kishor's role is central to the ongoing debate. His supporters argue that he played a crucial role in organizing the student protests and amplifying their voices. However, critics contend that he used the protests for his own political gain, exploiting the students' grievances for personal ambition. The conflicting narratives surrounding his actions – from providing blankets to protesters to allegedly fleeing the scene before the police crackdown – only serve to deepen the political divide. The authenticity of the videos circulating online remains a point of contention, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Beyond the immediate fallout of the police crackdown and the resulting political accusations, the incident raises broader questions about the integrity of the BPSC examination process. The students' allegations of irregularities, including leaked question papers and other procedural issues, cannot be ignored. Addressing these concerns requires a transparent and thorough investigation to restore public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the exam system. Failure to do so will only exacerbate existing grievances and potentially fuel further protests.
The incident also brings into sharp focus the role of political strategists in shaping public discourse and influencing social movements. Prashant Kishor’s involvement underlines the increasingly blurred lines between electoral politics, social activism, and public protest. Understanding the dynamics of these interactions is crucial for comprehending the complex political landscape of Bihar and similar contexts where political strategists play an increasingly prominent role in shaping political narratives and influencing public opinion.
Source: "You Asked For Blankets...": Prashant Kishor Video Viral Amid Bihar Protest