Prashant Kishor May Face Consequences for Protest at Non-Approved Site in Patna
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Patna, Jan 4 (NationPress) The Patna district administration is evaluating potential measures against poll strategist turned politician and Jan Suraaj Founder Prashant Kishor for organizing a sit-in demonstration at an unauthorized location in Gandhi Maidan, as stated in an official announcement on Saturday.
District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh clarified that Kishor's sit-in under the Bapu statue at Gandhi Maidan contravenes existing regulations.
According to a 2015 ruling by the Patna High Court, Gardanibagh is the approved location for protests, contingent upon prior consent from the district administration. Gandhi Maidan, designated primarily for leisure activities such as walking, is not sanctioned for protests or sit-ins. Furthermore, political gatherings at Gandhi Maidan necessitate administrative authorization,” Singh remarked.
The District Magistrate underscored that the immediate priority is facilitating the smooth execution of the re-examination for Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) candidates.
Kishor has been a strong advocate for the protesting BPSC candidates, joining their efforts to spotlight their demands for a re-evaluation of the entire 70th preliminary examination.
However, his venue choice for the sit-in has sparked concerns regarding compliance with legal standards.
In response, Kishor defended his selection of Gandhi Maidan as a protest venue, asserting that it is a public area where prior permission is unnecessary for peaceful gatherings.
He cited the extensive farmer protests in Delhi, questioning if those were considered illegal and whether the authorities in Delhi were unaware of the regulations.
Kishor stated, “If the district administration resorts to force to disperse us and detains me, I will return and persist with my Dharna once released.”
He stressed that the resolution of the BPSC candidates’ demands hinges on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar agreeing to meet with them and address their concerns.
Kishor further added, “I will respect whatever decision the candidates make following such a meeting.”
While reiterating that Gandhi Maidan is not an authorized site for protests, the administration has opted against immediate forceful measures.
They have deployed medical assistance to mitigate escalation and address health issues among the protesters, particularly those on a hunger strike.
