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The recent protests surrounding alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam have captured significant attention, particularly due to the involvement of Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) founder Prashant Kishor. Kishor's high-profile actions, including a hunger strike and brief imprisonment, have raised the stakes considerably. However, the Nitish Kumar-led government appears remarkably unconcerned, dismissing the protests as a temporary phenomenon lacking substantial evidence of wrongdoing. This perceived nonchalance is particularly striking given the proximity to the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The government's strategy appears to be one of attrition, allowing the protests to dissipate naturally, a tactic fueled by their assertion of a lack of evidence supporting claims of a paper leak. The successful retest conducted at the only exam center where discrepancies were acknowledged further reinforces this strategy, portraying the situation as a localized issue rather than a systemic failure.
The government's response is not solely rooted in a belief in the integrity of the BPSC exam process. Statements from senior JD(U) leaders and ministers point towards a concerted effort to shift blame away from the administration. Coaching centers are frequently cited as the primary beneficiaries of exam cancellations, implying a financially motivated agenda behind the protests. This framing effectively deflects criticism by suggesting the protests are driven by self-interest rather than genuine concerns about fairness and transparency. Furthermore, the government explicitly accuses individuals like Purnia MP Pappu Yadav and Prashant Kishor of attempting to exploit the situation for political gain, particularly in the context of the approaching elections. The suggestion that these protests are merely a desperate attempt by Kishor to regain relevance after the JSP's underwhelming performance in recent by-elections underscores the government's determination to downplay the significance of the issue.
The BJP, a key partner in the ruling coalition, echoes the JD(U)'s assessment, directly targeting Kishor and characterizing his actions as a calculated political maneuver. This unified front presented by the NDA highlights the coordinated effort to minimize the potential political fallout from the protests. The fact that even the RJD, the principal opposition party, is maintaining a cautious distance is cited as further evidence of the protests' limited political impact. However, this assertion overlooks the nuanced relationship between the RJD and the JSP. The RJD is reportedly concerned about the JSP encroaching on their oppositional space, particularly evidenced by the JSP's performance in recent by-elections, where it garnered sufficient votes to impact the RJD in long-held constituencies. The RJD's hesitant stance, therefore, can be interpreted not as a lack of concern over the BPSC issue, but rather as a calculated response to avoid bolstering Kishor's political standing.
The role of Prashant Kishor is central to understanding the dynamics of the protest. His public engagement, including the hunger strike and willingness to face arrest, has undoubtedly amplified the issue. While he frames his actions as a commitment to the concerns of job-seeking youth, his motivations remain open to interpretation. His release on bail without conditions, despite the administration's initial reluctance, suggests a calculated strategy to avoid further escalation while also appearing to champion the cause. The Bihar government’s seemingly calculated response, coupled with Kishor’s high-profile involvement, indicates a complex interplay of political maneuvering and genuine public concern. The long-term impact on the upcoming elections remains uncertain, but the government's confident approach suggests a belief that the controversy will not significantly undermine their electoral prospects. The situation, however, continues to highlight the deep-seated anxieties surrounding fair and transparent governance in Bihar and the ways in which political actors seek to exploit these concerns for their own advantage.
Source: As Prashant Kishor continues to ride BPSC protests, why Nitish govt not unduly worried