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Prashant Kishor, a prominent election strategist turned politician, has embarked on an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with Bihar students protesting the alleged leakage of the 70th Combined Competitive Examination paper. This act of civil disobedience underscores the growing tension between the protesting students and the Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj party, has joined the students at Patna's Gandhi Maidan, a symbolic location for political protests, to amplify their demands for a re-examination. His decision to undertake a fast-unto-death highlights the gravity of the situation and the perceived lack of responsiveness from the state government.
The students' protest, which has been ongoing for nearly two weeks, has intensified in recent days. Their primary demand is a re-examination of the competitive exam, citing credible evidence suggesting a widespread leak of the question paper. The alleged leak has cast a shadow of doubt over the fairness and integrity of the examination process, impacting the future prospects of numerous aspiring candidates. The protracted nature of the protest speaks to the students' unwavering determination and their frustration with the government's seemingly unresponsive stance. The involvement of Leftist student wings, who have planned a demonstration to directly confront Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, further escalates the political pressure.
Kishor's criticism of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar adds a significant political dimension to the unfolding events. He directly blames Kumar's 'arrogance' for the government's failure to address the students' concerns and its refusal to meet with the protesters for over two weeks. This accusation underscores the deepening rift between Kishor and his former boss within the Janata Dal United. Kishor’s accusations extend beyond the Chief Minister, highlighting the perceived helplessness even high-ranking officials feel in getting the Chief Minister to act on the students’ pleas. The fact that Kishor himself faces police charges for his support of the students amplifies the gravity of the situation and underlines the political stakes involved.
The timing of Kishor's fast is strategically significant, falling shortly after a delegation of protesters met with the Chief Secretary. Kishor's initial statement indicating a 48-hour window for government action before intensifying the protest demonstrates his calculated approach and his intent to leverage his influence to pressure the government. His actions could potentially sway public opinion and further fuel discontent against the ruling administration. The upcoming demonstration organized by Leftist student wings adds to the growing pressure on the Chief Minister, putting him in a difficult political position.
The implications of this protest extend beyond the immediate concerns of the affected students. Jan Suraaj, Kishor's political party, is actively courting student support, viewing this issue as a crucial platform to showcase its commitment to addressing the concerns of young people. This strategy is noteworthy in the broader context of Bihar's upcoming assembly elections where Jan Suraaj aims to compete in all seats. The party's stated intention to shift the focus of electoral politics from 'sops' to more substantive issues resonates with the students’ demands and underscores the political potential of this ongoing crisis.
The ongoing protest and Kishor's involvement highlight a deeper issue of governance and accountability within Bihar. The students’ concerns regarding the exam paper leak extend to broader questions of fairness, transparency, and the efficacy of the state's administrative mechanisms. The government's handling of this situation will undoubtedly have significant ramifications, not only for the students involved but also for its political standing in the lead-up to the next elections. Kishor's actions, while potentially risky from a political standpoint, appear to be a calculated move to harness public sentiment and gain traction in the state’s political landscape.
Source: Prashant Kishor Begins Indefinite Fast To Back Protesting Students In Bihar