Prashant Kishor's Health Stable in ICU as Aides Urge Him to End Fast for Well-Being

Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraaj Party, was admitted to the ICU in a Patna hospital after a hunger strike. Doctors reported his condition as stable on Tuesday night, with intravenous fluids being administered. Party leaders Pavan K Varma and YV Giri visited him, urging him to end his fast for his health. "We have asked Prashant Kishor to consider taking normal food and protect his health," said Varma.

Political Leaders Express Concerns

Varma highlighted the importance of Kishor's health for ongoing struggles in Bihar. He criticised the Chief Minister for not meeting a delegation of BPSC aspirants, calling it insensitive. "He is the guardian of the state, but not willing to meet protesting aspirants," Varma added. Meanwhile, Jay Prabha Medanta Hospital's Medical Director Ravi Shankar Singh mentioned that if Kishor's condition improved, he might leave the ICU on Wednesday.

Kishor began his hunger strike on January 2 at Gandhi Maidan, supporting BPSC aspirants demanding exam cancellation due to alleged question paper leaks. The Bihar Public Service Commission's exam on December 13 faced controversy over these allegations. Despite government denials, a retest was ordered for over 12,000 candidates in Patna.

Legal Perspectives and Judicial Actions

Senior advocate YV Giri criticised the executive's handling of BPSC candidates' concerns. He stated that the issue requires judicial intervention. "The executive has miserably failed in squarely addressing the concerns of the BPSC candidates," Giri said. He expressed confidence in obtaining relief through legal channels, based on his extensive legal experience.

The Supreme Court declined a plea seeking exam cancellation, advising petitioners to approach the Patna High Court first. Giri criticised the law firm's approach, stating it was inappropriate for them to file a writ petition as they were not an aggrieved party. "The apex court very rightly turned it down... but a proper petition is bound to be heard," he noted.

Administrative Responses and Allegations

The Patna district administration denied Kishor's claims that police pressured doctors for a false medical report. Additionally, the district transport authority stated that Kishor's protest site vanity van violated Motor Vehicles Act provisions. The Transport Department is further examining the van's documents.

Kishor was arrested on Monday and released on bail after being found dehydrated. His health remains a concern as he continues to advocate for BPSC aspirants' demands. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between political leaders and administrative authorities in Bihar over examination processes and governance issues.