Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, who has been on an indefinite fast since January 2 in support of civil service aspirants demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination, has been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after his health worsened on Monday. Kishor, who was arrested earlier for holding an “illegal” hunger strike at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, was taken to a hospital in Patna after his condition deteriorated.
Kishor, who has been spearheading the protests alongside civil service aspirants, was arrested early on Monday morning for violating a Patna High Court order that prohibits protests at Gandhi Maidan. The protest was initially planned as an ‘Aamaran Anshan’ (fast unto death) demanding a revision of the BPSC examination results. Kishor had been fasting for several days when his health began to deteriorate.
After being arrested, Kishor was presented in a Patna court, where he was granted bail. However, he refused to sign the bail bond, which included a condition not to participate in any future “illegal” protests. Kishor and his legal team argued that this was an admission of guilt, leading him to reject the bail conditions and accept judicial custody. He was later released on unconditional bail in the evening.
Speaking to reporters, Kishor explained his actions and the situation on the day of his arrest. “I was told I would be detained and taken to the police station, but the police did not inform me where they were taking me,” he said. He described how the police had initially taken him to AIIMS, but after an hour of delay and refusal to admit him, they transported him to various hospitals, including Fatuha’s community centre, where medical tests were conducted. Kishor refused to provide consent for these tests, calling them illegal, and alleged police attempts to have doctors issue false certificates for his health.
During his fast, Kishor has continued to rally behind the civil service aspirants, who have raised concerns over the BPSC exam process. The protest has seen widespread support from students and political leaders, further intensifying tensions in the region. Despite the health setback, Kishor remains firm on his cause.
Kishor’s supporters have expressed concern over his health, as the indefinite fast has placed significant strain on his body. Authorities have not yet issued a statement regarding his future medical treatment, but the incident has brought attention to his ongoing political activism, which has seen him champion causes for education reform and political change.
As of now, rescue operations are underway to address the growing number of supporters and tensions around the state’s capital, where many continue to protest in solidarity with Kishor’s cause.
Sources By Agencies
