Prashant Kishor Initiates Unending Hunger Strike to Support BPSC Aspirants

Patna, Jan 2 (NationPress) The leader of the Jan Suraaj Party, Prashant Kishor, along with multiple candidates from the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), initiated an indefinite hunger strike near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Maidan today.

The demonstrators are voicing their discontent regarding the examination process of the BPSC.

Kishor is leading the hunger strike amidst harsh cold conditions, advocating for justice.

BPSC candidates are calling for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of irregularities in the examination process.

"We have requested a fair re-examination of the 70th combined preliminary examination to guarantee justice for all candidates. Consequently, I have chosen to undertake an indefinite hunger strike to show my support," Kishor stated.

Prashant Kishor, along with other BPSC candidates and supporters, is positioned near the Mahatma Gandhi statue.

They are chanting slogans against the Bihar government and the BPSC.

Tensions between BPSC candidates and the administration heightened on December 29 when students, under Kishor's leadership, faced police action with cane charges and water cannons as they approached the Chief Minister's residence.

Many students sustained injuries during the confrontations.

The controversy originated on December 13 when candidates at the Bapu Examination Centre boycotted the BPSC preliminary examination due to delays in the distribution of question papers.

Footage showing mobile phone usage and inadequate security during the examination further intensified the protests.

The BPSC decided to annul the examination at the Bapu examination centre and reschedule it for December 4; however, students demanded a cancellation across all centres citing widespread irregularities.

On December 30, a group of ten BPSC candidates met with Bihar Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena to express their concerns.

Post-meeting, candidates described the discussion as constructive and positive.

They reported that the Chief Secretary attentively listened to their grievances, assuring them that the government is actively considering their demands and will reach a decision soon.

However, neither the Bihar government nor the BPSC addressed the situation concerning candidates and firms scheduled for the examination on January 4.

Meanwhile, Pappu Yadav, an Independent MP from Purnea, announced a Rail Chakka Jam (rail blockade) on January 3 to demand the cancellation of the 70th BPSC Preliminary Test (PT).

This protest aims to support candidates who have raised concerns regarding the exam's fairness and transparency. In conjunction with the Rail Chakka Jam, Yadav has also called for the blockade of all national and state highways throughout Bihar.

"I will personally participate in the protest in Patna on Friday and urge the youth of Bihar to engage actively in the movement. This action serves the best interests of the students and aims to ensure justice for BPSC candidates," Yadav declared.

The 70th BPSC PT has come under scrutiny due to allegations of irregularities and mismanagement.

"Despite our efforts to raise this issue with the Governor, the BPSC has not taken adequate action. The commission is allegedly pressuring students and has announced a re-examination on January 4, confined only to the Bapu Examination Centre in Patna," he added.

Yadav has called for a statewide Rail Chakka Jam and the blockade of all national and state highways on January 3, citing the interests of the students.

He also plans to join the candidates at Gardanibagh, Patna, where students have been on a hunger strike and dharna for 16 days. He is expected to arrive at the site at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday to express solidarity and join the dharna with the candidates.

The protesting students are advocating for the cancellation of the entire 70th BPSC PT exam due to widespread allegations of irregularities. They reject the commission's decision to annul the exam solely for the Bapu Examination Centre.

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav has also extended his support to the students, visiting Gardanibagh to engage with them and declaring their demands justified.

He has also called for the cancellation of the entire examination.

The ongoing protest and hunger strike underscore the escalating frustration among BPSC candidates, who allege systemic issues and a lack of accountability in the examination process.