Kishor initiated an indefinite hunger strike at Patna's Gandhi Maidan, demanding the cancellation of the 70th Combined Competitive Examination conducted by BPSC on December 13, 2024, due to allegations of a question paper leak. His protest has attracted attention, not only for its cause but also for the presence of a luxury vanity van at the site. Critics, including Yadav, argue that such amenities undermine the authenticity of the protest.
Addressing the controversy, Kishor defended the use of the vanity van, stating it serves practical needs during the protest. He remarked, "If I am sitting here on fast, where should I go to attend to nature's call? The government must provide such a van, and I will happily use it." Kishor emphasized that the van has been part of his two-year state tour and is essential for basic necessities during prolonged protests.
Tejashwi Yadav, however, remains unconvinced. He accused Kishor of attempting to hijack the students' movement for political gain, stating, "Actors sit in the vanity van, and the one who makes them sit is the producer and director. Everyone knows which producer and director have made the actors sit." Yadav insinuated that Kishor's actions are orchestrated by higher political powers, specifically the BJP, to disrupt genuine protests.
Yadav further questioned Kishor's political affiliations, referencing his previous appointment as the national vice president of the Janata Dal (United) (JD-U). He alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah influenced Kishor's appointment, suggesting a nexus between Kishor and the BJP. Yadav stated, "Kishor should explain why he was appointed JD(U) vice-president on BJP leader Amit Shah's instructions, as revealed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar."
Kishor, known for his political strategizing, has been vocal about the need for transparency and reform in Bihar's examination processes. He compared the current situation to the central government's withdrawal of farm laws, implying that sustained protests can lead to policy reversals. Kishor warned the state government to cancel the examination or face backlash from the youth.
The district administration has also weighed in on the matter. Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh criticized Kishor for holding a protest in a restricted area, stating that he was served a notice to vacate the spot. Singh referenced a 2015 Patna High Court order that designates Gardanibagh as the official protest site, indicating that Kishor's current location at Gandhi Maidan violates this directive.
The students' movement, initially focused on addressing the alleged BPSC paper leak, has now become entangled in political disputes. Yadav accused Kishor of diverting attention from the core issues, stating that the movement has been "hijacked and compromised." He alleged that students have faced police action under the pretext of maintaining order, further suppressing their legitimate grievances.
Kishor, in response, reiterated his commitment to the students' cause and dismissed allegations of politicization. He questioned the absence of other political leaders, including Yadav, at the protest site, suggesting that their lack of participation indicates a reluctance to support the students' demands. Kishor stated, "We don't have any party banner here. We care about the agenda of the students."