The controversy surrounding the alleged Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) question paper leak intensified on Sunday as student protests escalated in Patna, leading to significant unrest and clashes with law enforcement.
Aspirants demanding a re-examination for the 70th BPSC Preliminary Examination took to the streets in large numbers, marching toward Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence. Protesters also gathered at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, voicing grievances over reported irregularities in the December 13 exam.
The protest march witnessed heightened tensions when students breached police barricades at JP Golambar near Gandhi Maidan. Authorities responded with water cannons and a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. The Patna police have registered an FIR against over 600 individuals, including Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor, accusing them of unauthorized gatherings and instigating unrest.
Despite the enhanced security measures, students vowed to continue their agitation, which led to sporadic clashes with the police. Protests had already been ongoing in the Gardanibagh area, where aspirants expressed frustration over the alleged examination discrepancies.
Speaking to the media, BPSC aspirants emphasized their demand for a re-examination, distancing themselves from political motives. One student said, “We don’t want politics to overshadow our legitimate concerns. Our only demand is a fair re-exam.”
Police officials, including SP City Sweety Sahrawat, maintained that they were open to dialogue but were compelled to act when students refused to vacate the protest sites. Sahrawat stated, “We requested the students to present their demands peacefully, but they pushed us, necessitating the use of water cannons.”
Prashant Kishor’s Intervention
Political strategist and Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor joined the protests, urging students to engage in dialogue with government representatives. Kishor facilitated the formation of a five-member delegation to meet with the Bihar Government Secretary. He appealed for calm, saying, “If the government’s response is unsatisfactory, we will decide on the next steps tomorrow. Until then, I urge students to remain within legal boundaries.”
Earlier in the day, Kishor had called for a Chhatra Sansad (students’ parliament) at Gandhi Maidan, which was denied permission by authorities.
Political Reactions
The protests have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Sanjay Yadav underscored the importance of the students’ demands, asserting, “These are issues that affect the future of our state. The government must heed their concerns.” The Congress also condemned the use of force against protestors, sharing videos of the lathi charge and accusing the administration of insensitivity.
Political Reactions
The protests have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Sanjay Yadav underscored the importance of the students’ demands, asserting, “These are issues that affect the future of our state. The government must heed their concerns.” The Congress also condemned the use of force against protestors, sharing videos of the lathi charge and accusing the administration of insensitivity.
As the protests continue, all eyes are on the Bihar government and the BPSC to address the grievances of aspirants and restore trust in the examination process. Whether the assurances offered by the administration will defuse tensions remains to be seen.
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