Will Prashant Kishor’s Arrest Impact the Outcome of Bihar Assembly Election 2025? RJD Reacts

A clash erupted between Patna Police and supporters of Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor at Gandhi Maidan, Bihar, where Kishor was on an indefinite hunger strike. The protest centered around alleged irregularities in the BPSC examination process, drawing significant attention from aspirants.

#WATCH | BPSC protest | On Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor detained by police, in Bihar, RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari says, "It was a VIP protest, where he (Prashant Kishor) was trying to gain by politicising and using aspirants ...All this drama was being done in the… pic.twitter.com/gP4vSovHlA

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025

In the morning, Patna Police intervened, detaining Prashant Kishor along with several of his supporters. Video footage shared widely on social media shows heated exchanges, with reports alleging that the police misbehaved during the operation. Kishor’s official Twitter handle posted a clip of the detention, criticizing the state government for suppressing the voice of the youth. The tweet quickly gained traction, amplifying calls for justice.

How This May Impact the Assembly Election

Prashant Kishor’s arrest could significantly alter the political landscape as Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly Election. Kishor, a key figure in Indian political strategy, has positioned himself as a reformist through his Jan Suraaj campaign. By championing the cause of job aspirants, he’s likely to strengthen his grassroots connect. Political analysts suggest this move may draw disenchanted voters away from the ruling coalition, potentially reshaping voter sentiment.

The detention also raises questions about the government’s handling of dissent, which may fuel anti-incumbency sentiments. If Kishor’s narrative of “government-sponsored suppression” resonates, it could shift youth and aspirant support in his favor, presenting a direct challenge to both RJD and JD(U).

RJD Reaction

Reacting to the incident, RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari dismissed Kishor’s protest as “VIP drama.” “It was a VIP protest, where he (Prashant Kishor) was trying to gain by politicizing and using aspirants,” Tiwari said. He alleged that the protest had government backing, questioning why Kishor wasn’t removed from Gandhi Maidan earlier if it were truly a restricted area.

The RJD reiterated its commitment to aspirants’ issues, with Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav stating that his party will continue advocating for the youth’s concerns. However, the dismissal of Kishor’s efforts as theatrics highlights the political friction between the opposition parties and Jan Suraaj.

#WATCH | Bihar | A clash broke out between Patna Police and supporters of Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor

Prashant Kishor who was sitting on an indefinite hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan, was detained by the police pic.twitter.com/2RwVVtYcYU

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025

Current Situation on His Arrest

Following his detention, Prashant Kishor was taken to an undisclosed location, sparking widespread outrage among his supporters. Social media campaigns demanding his release have gained momentum, with hashtags like #ReleasePrashant trending on Twitter. Jan Suraaj members have called for statewide protests, accusing the government of “muzzling democracy.” Meanwhile, the Patna Police have yet to issue an official statement on the arrest, leaving questions about the legal basis for their actions.