Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Monday alleged that “thousands of crores of rupees” had exchanged hands for posts to be filled through the recent Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam. Many candidates are demanding the exam’s cancellation over allegations of corruption and irregularities.
Kishor, a former close aide of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, criticized his erstwhile mentor for remaining silent on the ongoing protests, which have continued for nearly two weeks.
“The candidates are braving freezing temperatures, police baton charges, and water cannons. Meanwhile, the CM is in Delhi, seemingly unbothered. When approached by reporters in the national capital, he refused to comment on the issue,” Kishor told reporters.
Referring to his participation in the previous day’s demonstration, Kishor said he had urged candidates to wait for a statement from the chief minister that could resolve the deadlock. “But he said nothing,” Kishor remarked.
Kishor also alleged that candidates suspect BPSC’s reluctance to hold a fresh exam stems from large-scale corruption. “Protesting candidates believe that posts from the December 13 test were sold, and crores have already changed hands,” he claimed.
Approximately five lakh candidates had appeared for the Combined Competitive Exams across 900 centers statewide. However, controversy erupted when some candidates at a Patna center boycotted the exam, alleging a question paper leak. Although the BPSC denied the leak and suggested a “conspiracy” to cancel the exam, it ordered a re-examination for more than 10,000 candidates at the contentious center. Protesters argue this selective re-examination violates the principle of fairness and have demanded a complete cancellation.
While highlighting what he termed “rampant corruption” in BPSC, Kishor clarified that his focus remains on achieving a positive resolution. He welcomed Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena’s willingness to engage with protesting candidates, emphasizing that the immediate priority should be the future of the students. “Politics can wait,” he said.
Kishor faced criticism for leaving the protest site Sunday evening as police resorted to force. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused him of “abandoning” the students, while JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar called him a “political fugitive.” Independent MP Pappu Yadav labeled Kishor a “fraud” who had “sold out” the movement.
Defending himself, Kishor said those subjected to police action were individuals who stayed behind after most protesters agreed to disperse following the chief secretary’s assurance. He also expressed shock over an FIR filed against his party members, including former senior bureaucrats, for staging the protest.
“No damage or obstruction occurred during our protest. However, some police officials acted excessively, and we plan to file a court complaint against them,” he said.
Kishor criticized the state’s governance, claiming it is being run by “a coterie of retired bureaucrats” who lack public accountability. “The chief minister has handed over the state’s administration to individuals who are neither answerable to the people nor bound by service rules like serving officers,” he alleged.
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Posted in News, States
