BJP demands arrest of Prashant Kishor

In a significant development which could have wide political ramifications, the BJP on Tuesday demanded immediate arrest of JD (U) vice president Prashant Kishor, who is also a key aide of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

The ruling alliance partner – the BJP – is miffed with the election strategist PK (as Prashant is fondly known) since the latter is believed to have played a controversial role in the ensuing Patna University Students’ Union election, slated for December 5.

A group of BJP legislators including Arun Sinha, Nitin Navin, Sanjeev Chourasia and Suraj Nandan Kushwaha on Tuesday staged a dharna on the Pirbahore police station campus demanding the arrest of PK for violating the model code of conduct and trying to influence the students’ poll.

“The election strategist is targeting ABVP, the student’s wing of the BJP. He (PK) is also trying to influence students’ union poll as he met Patna University Vice-Chancellor RB Singh on late Monday evening,” alleged Nitin Navin, the BJP MLA, on Tuesday.

PK’s car was attacked by student leaders soon after he came out of the VC’s residence on Monday night. Though the PU VC and the City SP denied that PK violated any model code of conduct, a BJP delegation met Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon on Monday night demanding action against PK.

“Why are you silent on the entire row, Nitish Chacha?,” said Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav. “After lecturing everyone about high moral grounds and values, you have shown scant regard for students’ union elections as you have allowed your aide (PK) to misuse one of your official accommodation (7, Circular Road),” said Tejashwi.

Prashant Kishor, on his part, attacked the BJP’s student wing ABVP through his tweet: “ABVP u need to do better than let few hooligans and anti-social elements become your face in Bihar. The possibility of losing the Patna University Students’ Union election will not get over by attacking my car.”

The significance of PU Students’ Union election can be gauged from the fact that it is this university which has produced leaders like Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad, Upendra Kushwaha and Sushil Modi.