'Where was Prashant Kishor during lathicharge?' Protesting Bihar students fume
What's the story
Protests by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants have intensified, with political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor facing the ire of students for his absence during a police lathicharge.
At Patna's Gardanibagh, students demanded a re-examination of the 70th BPSC preliminary examination and a meeting with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Kishor, who had earlier given an ultimatum to the Bihar government to resolve the issue in three days, was greeted with chants of "Prashant Kishor, go back" on his arrival at the protest site.
Press conference
Kishor's response to allegations
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Kishor refuted allegations of abandoning the students and stressed his continuous support for their cause.
He said the students were leading the movement as decided in the "Chhatra Sansad" (Student Parliament) and condemned the police action.
"A prior permission for the event was unnecessary, contrary to the administration's claim that it was unauthorized," he asserted during his press address.
Legal developments
Kishor faces legal action, plans countermeasures
The Bihar Police have filed a case against Kishor and others for allegedly instigating the protests. They accused him of provoking candidates to create disturbances in Patna.
In response to these charges, Kishor announced plans to file an FIR against Patna Police and take legal action following the lathicharge incident.
He warned if no resolution is reached during a delegation meeting, he would join the protest himself starting January 2.
Protest aftermath
Over 700 face charges , Kishor criticizes CM Kumar
The police said Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party staged an unauthorized protest near Gandhi Maidan despite being denied permission by the district administration.
The protest turned violent, resulting in clashes with police officers.
Over 700 people, including coaching center owners and unknown protesters, have been booked in connection with the unrest.
Amid this chaos, Kishor slammed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for not addressing the students' grievances and accused him of prioritizing a private visit to Delhi over state issues.