Prashant Kishor Denies Bail Conditions Imposed by Court, Secures Unconditional Release
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Patna, Jan 6 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, Prashant Kishor, the leader of the Jan Suraj Party, secured unconditional bail just hours after he was incarcerated for 14 days of judicial custody.
Earlier on Monday, Kishor declined to accept the bail terms stipulated by a court in the region.
The bail amount was set at Rs 25,000, with a requirement that Kishor abstain from similar actions in the future, a condition he rejected, citing the principle of his ongoing satyagraha.
Kishor defended his refusal, stating: "I was granted bail, but the condition was that I would not engage in such activities again. This fight is for fundamental rights and justice. If raising one’s voice against injustices, like the use of lathis on women and youth, is deemed a crime in Bihar, then I am prepared to face imprisonment. My satyagraha will persist even in custody until the government addresses the issues. Bihar is a land where Mahatma Gandhi conducted his Satyagraha, and if doing the same here is a crime, I am willing to commit that crime.”
The bail bond was submitted at 4 p.m. on Monday, but Kishor told the court he was prepared to be jailed rather than accept conditional bail. He had been on a hunger strike since January 2, protesting against the Bihar government’s alleged use of force and various grievances.
Earlier that day, the police took Kishor into custody from the Gandhi statue in Patna, where he was conducting his hunger strike. He was placed in an ambulance for five hours and taken to several locations, including AIIMS Patna and the Fatua Community Hospital.
Kishor claimed that the AIIMS authorities refused to admit him, and he turned down medical examinations at other facilities, deeming them unnecessary.
The founder of the Jan Suraj Party criticized the Bihar government, asserting, “Public spaces like Gandhi Maidan should be accessible for peaceful protests and expressions of dissent.” His refusal to accept bail represents a protest against policies he argues stifle democratic voices. He accused the administration of employing a "lathi-system" to suppress dissent and pledged to continue his campaign against the leadership of Nitish Kumar and the BJP.
While addressing his supporters, Kishor urged calm: "Do not push or confront the police; they are merely following orders. This campaign is against the system, not the officers themselves." He has announced that his hunger strike, which reached its fifth day at the time of his arrest, will carry on even in detention. He reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the issues raised, including police conduct towards protesters and other complaints against the Bihar government.
This incident highlights the growing tensions between the Jan Suraj Party leader and the state government, with Kishor labeling his arrest as a stand for democratic rights and justice.
