"Bihar Unrest: Students and Police Clash Amid Exam Protests, Legal Action Against Prashant Kishor Sparks Controversy"

Prashant Kishor and associates face allegations of unlawfully assembling crowds, inciting unrest, and disrupting public order, raising concerns over their actions and potential legal repercussions.

In New Delhi, a legal case has been initiated against Prashant Kishore, the election strategist who has transitioned into a political figure, along with leaders of his Jan Suraaj party, several owners of coaching centers, and approximately 700 unidentified demonstrators. This action stems from significant student protests that took place in Bihar on Sunday. The accusations laid against them include the unauthorized assembly of individuals, incitement, and the creation of disturbances that upset public order.

According to law enforcement agencies, the Jan Suraaj Party conducted a protest march without the necessary approvals and led the crowd toward Gandhi Maidan in Patna, which escalated into violence. During this unrest, demonstrators reportedly damaged police loudspeakers and engaged in confrontations with magistrates and police personnel who were on duty. The police stated, "Despite numerous appeals from the administration, these individuals disregarded the established guidelines and compromised public safety."

In response to the large-scale demonstration by aspirants of the Bihar Public Service Commission, who were advocating for a re-examination of the 70th Combined Competitive Examination due to claims of a paper leak, the police resorted to using batons and water cannons to disperse the crowd. The students had convened at Gandhi Maidan before attempting to march toward JP Golambar, with the intention of reaching Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence for discussions regarding their grievances.

Prashant Kishor showed solidarity with the protesting students by joining their march towards JP Golambar. He declared that a delegation of students would be allowed to meet with the Chief Secretary. However, the students maintained their stance, insisting that only Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would suffice as a point of contact, and their stubbornness ultimately triggered the police's intervention.

On the previous day, Mr. Kishor had called for a "Chhatra Sansad" at Gandhi Maidan, timed to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti, to address the concerns of students and plan subsequent actions. Regrettably, the city authorities did not grant approval for the gathering.

The Jan Suraaj group, which reorganized itself as a political entity just last month, is preparing to contest all constituencies in Bihar during the upcoming assembly elections. This transformation followed Kishor’s extensive travels across the state, conducting a yatra for two years. He has articulated that the party aims to revolutionize the political landscape, shifting the focus of electoral discourse from handouts to crucial issues that should form the foundation of any election agenda.