Patna: Jan Suraj leader Prashant Kishor launched a scathing attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the BJP on Wednesday, holding them responsible for the declining academic standards of Patna University. Speaking at a press conference, Kishor also announced the names of Jan Suraj’s candidates for the upcoming Patna University Students’ Union elections.
Kishor named Divesh Dinu as the party’s candidate for the post of president, while Mohd Danish Wasim (Ruhan) will contest for vice president. Anu Kumari has been fielded for the joint secretary position, Ritambana Roy for general secretary, and Brijesh Kumar for treasurer.
‘JDU Couldn’t Even Find Candidates for Student Union Elections’
The political strategist-turned-activist did not hold back in his criticism of the ruling JD(U) and its ally BJP, accusing them of neglecting Patna University. “Fifteen to twenty years ago, students from Patna University were directly making it to the IAS and IPS. Today, the academic standards have collapsed,” he said.
Kishor also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to grant central university status to Patna University, alleging that Nitish Kumar never seriously pursued the demand. “Nitish Kumar kept bargaining with the BJP for ministerial posts and electoral gains but never made Patna University’s upliftment a priority. The result? The JD(U) couldn’t even find candidates for the student union elections this time,” he remarked.
‘Metro Project Has Ruined Patna University’s Dignity’
Kishor further criticized the state government’s handling of infrastructure projects in Patna, particularly the metro rail construction. “Modi rejected the central university demand, claiming he wanted to make Patna University an international institution. That never happened, and whatever was left has been destroyed,” he said.
He condemned the demolition of Patna University’s Science Department building for the metro project, questioning whether such actions would be tolerated in Delhi University. “Can you imagine a metro line being built by tearing down DU? But in Bihar, it is happening, and I hold Nitish Kumar and his ally BJP responsible for this,” Kishor asserted.
