Upping the ante, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Thursday began a fast-unto-death to press the demand for cancellation of an examination recently held by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).
Kishor made the announcement at the historic Gandhi Maidan in the state capital, three days after giving a “48-hour ultimatum” to the Nitish Kumar government for acting on the demand, raised by aggrieved candidates.
The administration, however, said the hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan is illegal as it is not the designated site for holding protests.
“My primary demand, of course, is cancellation of the exam held on December 13 and conducting a fresh test. I have also heard allegations that posts to be filled by the exam were virtually put on sale. Such corrupt officials must be identified and brought to justice”, said Kishor, who was accompanied by a number of supporters.
The venue was barely a couple of kilometres from Gardani Bagh where the aggrieved aspirants have been holding a round-the-clock sit-in for nearly two weeks.
The 47-year-old former poll strategist, who hopes his fledgling party to make a big impact in assembly polls due in less than a year, also made it clear that the demands he is making were just a few of the things on which he expected the government to act.
Striking a populist note, the former JD(U) vice president said he wanted the state’s NDA government to “bring in a domicile policy, reserving two thirds of government vacancies for candidates from the state”.
He added: “The injustice done to the state’s youth by the current regime goes long back. Before his ascent to power, the chief minister (Nitish Kumar) had toured the state and promised unemployment doles. Not a single person has got the benefit even after 20 years. The government must start giving unemployment allowance”.
