Patna witnessed escalating tensions on Friday as thousands of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants gathered at Gandhi Maidan, continuing their protest against the conduct of the 70th BPSC preliminary exams. The protestors, who have been voicing their discontent since the exam was held on December 13, are demanding a re-examination due to allegations of a question paper leak. The demonstration, which has drawn increasing support from students, activists, political leaders, and educationalists, reached a fever pitch as the aspirants, desperate for a resolution, sought a direct meeting with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The protests turned more intense when demonstrators breached two barricades set up by the police near JP Golambar, sparking a minor scuffle between the protesters and law enforcement. In an attempt to control the situation, the police used mild force, deploying a lathi charge to disperse the crowd as they made their way towards Dak Bungalow, attempting to bypass the barricades. Despite the police's intervention, the protesters remained firm in their resolve, demanding answers and an immediate meeting with the Chief Minister.
Heavy security forces were deployed in key areas of the city, with barricades set up near high-profile locations such as Hotel Maurya, to prevent the protesters from spreading further. The authorities were determined to maintain control over the situation, as it threatened to spiral out of hand with the number of demonstrators swelling rapidly. The protesters, however, remained unyielding in their demand for action, as they marched through the streets chanting slogans against the BPSC and the state government.
The BPSC protest has quickly gained traction, drawing support from several political figures and civil society activists. Prashant Kishor, a well-known political strategist and the founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, extended his solidarity to the demonstrators, calling attention to the ongoing corruption and lack of transparency in Bihar's examination system. Kishor, a vocal critic of the ruling establishment, emphasized that the paper leaks and irregularities in BPSC exams had become a recurring issue. Addressing the protesters, Kishor condemned the system that, in his view, perpetuated the unfair advantage for certain individuals and groups.
"I must say that irregularities and paper leaks have now become the norm as far as BPSC exams are concerned. This cannot go on like this anymore. We need to find a permanent solution to this issue," Kishor said during his speech, urging for systemic reforms and accountability in the examination process. His support for the students has significantly amplified their cause, leading to a broader conversation about corruption within the state’s education and recruitment systems. Kishor also announced plans to hold a ‘Chatra Sansad’ (students’ congregation) near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Maidan, which would serve as a platform for the students to voice their grievances, propose solutions, and push for an end to the corruption.
In response to Kishor's announcement, the Patna District Magistrate, Chandrasekhar Singh, took a firm stance, reiterating that the district administration would not permit the assembly of students at Gandhi Maidan. Singh emphasized that Gandhi Maidan was a restricted area, and any attempt to organize large gatherings there would be met with strict action. “Strict action will be taken against coaching institute owners who are found to be involved in these protests. We have deployed adequate security personnel in and around Gandhi Maidan to maintain law and order,” Singh said, warning that those attempting to escalate the situation further would face legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the aspirants' frustration stems from the alleged mismanagement and procedural flaws in the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination (CCE) conducted by the BPSC. The allegations surrounding the question paper leak have left the candidates feeling betrayed, as they argue that the integrity of the exam process was compromised. The protestors are demanding that the exam be annulled and re-conducted, with an assurance of a fair, transparent, and corruption-free process.
In addition to the protests, there has been growing public discourse on the need for reform within the BPSC and other recruitment agencies in Bihar. Many citizens, including teachers and educationalists, have expressed concern about the regularity of exam leaks and other forms of malpractice, which they claim undermine the credibility of the state's examination system. The growing unrest is a reflection of the deep dissatisfaction with the way recruitment exams are conducted, and the protestors have made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met.
As the protests enter their second week, the situation remains tense, with both sides digging in their heels. The aspirants are increasingly frustrated with the lack of a response from the state government, while the authorities are wary of further escalation. The next few days will be crucial in determining the course of action, as the protesters continue to push for a solution. Whether the government responds to the demands for a re-examination, or if the protests escalate into a larger political movement, will depend largely on the authorities' willingness to engage with the aggrieved students and address the underlying issues plaguing the examination system in Bihar. The issue is no longer just about the 70th BPSC exams, but about the broader calls for accountability, transparency, and reform in the state's recruitment process.
