The luxurious vanity van used by Prashant Kishor during his ongoing hunger strike in support of BPSC candidates has become a topic of heated discussion. Positioned behind the Gandhi statue in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, images of the van have proliferated across social media, capturing public imagination due to its speculated multi-crore price tag. It's become a focal point for curiosity and debate.
Vanity Van Offers 5-Star Hotel Comforts
It's reported that this multi-crore vanity van, parked behind the Gandhi statue, is packed with 5-star hotel-like amenities. Comforts include a cozy bed, a sofa set for seating, a bathroom, Wi-Fi, and advanced tech. As images of the van surfaced online, it received a barrage of criticism. While some people dismissed it as ostentatious and unnecessary, others highlighted that Prashant Kishor uses the van for freshening up, changing clothes, and resting intermittently, before retiring for sleep late at night.
Clarification from Jan Suraaj Party
On the other hand, the Jan Suraaj campaign asserts that the van is employed for Prashant Kishor's operational and health needs. Vivek, a spokesperson for the Jan Suraaj Party, stated that raising the van issue is merely a distraction tactic. He remarked, "This movement is for the state's youth and their future. Certain people are trying to discredit Prashant Kishor by bringing up such issues. The vanity van is merely a tool for our campaign. The real issue is the youth and unemployment in Bihar, which needs focus."
Demand for BPSC 70th Exam Re-Examination
Kishor's strike is driven by the demand for reforms in the education system and a brighter future for the youth. Notably, protesters blocked rail and road traffic across Patna and other states in a call to cancel the recent Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam. Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraaj, continues his fast at Gandhi Maidan demanding the cancellation of the 70th BPSC examination.
The administration, declaring the strike "illegal," has requested a change of venue, but Kishor firmly refused. Kishor stated, "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should listen to the students' grievances. I will act according to the students' decision."
Possible Action Against Prashant Kishor
Patna DM Chandrashekhar has issued a notice to Prashant Kishor, stating that demonstrations near the Gandhi statue are prohibited. He noted, 'We've served a notice but have received no response. Our current priority is today's exam (conducted on December 13 at Bapu Exam Center). Once the exam concludes, we'll consider further actions as no protests are allowed in public spaces.'
BPSC Re-Examination Today
BPSC re-examinations are being conducted at 22 centers in Patna. Previously held on December 13, 2024, irregularities were noted at the Bapu Exam Center during the BPSC PT exam, leading to its cancellation. Consequently, examinations are being re-conducted today across the centers in Patna.
