Prashant Kishor’s Health Stable Amid Hunger Strike: Aides Appeal for an End to Fast
Patna, January 8, 2025: The health of Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, who is undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Patna hospital, remains stable after he initiated a hunger strike. Kishor, who started his fast unto death on January 2 at Gandhi Maidan in support of protesting Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants, was admitted to the hospital earlier this week due to dehydration. Medical professionals have been administering intravenous fluids and are urging him to resume a normal diet for a quicker recovery.
Party leaders Pavan K. Varma and Y.V. Giri visited Kishor at Jay Prabha Medanta Hospital on Tuesday evening and encouraged him to end his hunger strike. Varma stated, “While Prashant Kishor’s commitment to the cause is admirable, his health is essential for continuing the fight against Bihar’s pressing issues. We have requested him to prioritize his well-being and consider resuming food intake.”
Protests Against BPSC Examination Allegations
The BPSC’s Combined Competitive Examination held on December 13, 2024, has sparked controversy over allegations of a question paper leak. Though the Bihar government denied the claims, authorities ordered a re-examination for over 12,000 candidates from a specific Patna center. The decision to hold a re-exam has faced resistance from some candidates who argue that it penalizes those not involved in the alleged malpractice.
Kishor’s hunger strike was in solidarity with the protesting aspirants demanding the cancellation of the exam. His arrest on January 6, followed by his subsequent release on bail, did not deter him from continuing his protest until his health deteriorated.
Legal and Political Responses
Senior advocate Y.V. Giri criticized the administration for failing to address the grievances of the aspirants. “The executive has failed to resolve this issue effectively. Since this matter does not fall under the legislature’s purview, the judiciary must intervene. I am confident that a proper petition in the Patna High Court will bring timely relief,” he said.
Giri also criticized the handling of a previous Supreme Court petition that sought the cancellation of the BPSC examination. The apex court had dismissed the plea, citing procedural lapses and suggesting that the petitioner approach the high court first. Giri noted, “The petition, filed by a law firm not directly involved in the issue, was premature. A properly drafted petition to the high court is likely to receive due consideration.”
Medical Updates and Administrative Allegations
According to Dr. Ravi Shankar Singh, Medical Director of Jay Prabha Medanta Hospital, Kishor might be moved out of the ICU if his condition continues to improve, though his discharge is not currently under consideration. “We are closely monitoring his health and strongly recommending that he begin consuming normal food to aid his recovery,” Singh said.
Meanwhile, Kishor has accused law enforcement of attempting to pressure medical staff into falsifying his health reports—an allegation the Patna district administration has denied. Additionally, officials have raised concerns over the legality of the vanity van Kishor used at the protest site, citing possible violations of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Broader Implications
The ongoing BPSC controversy highlights the growing unrest among students and aspirants in Bihar, exacerbating public dissatisfaction with state governance. Pavan Varma added, “The chief minister’s refusal to meet with a delegation of aspirants demonstrates an alarming lack of empathy. As the state’s leader, he has a responsibility to engage with and address the concerns of Bihar’s youth.”
While Kishor’s commitment to the cause has drawn attention to the plight of the aspirants, his health crisis underscores the urgent need for dialogue and resolution. The administration, judiciary, and political stakeholders must collaborate to address the grievances and restore trust in the system.
As protests continue, the focus remains on Kishor’s recovery and the broader fight for justice in the BPSC examination row. The situation serves as a critical test for Bihar’s political and judicial institutions, with long-term implications for governance and accountability in the state.