The ongoing protest by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants seeking a re-examination of the 70th BPSC prelims has sparked political outrage. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav strongly condemned the police’s violent actions, including the lathi charge on the protesting students. In a heartfelt video statement, Yadav expressed his empathy for the students, calling the police’s use of force “very painful.” He emphasized that, as a youth himself, he could deeply understand the frustration of the aspirants. Yadav also pointed out the government’s delayed response, saying that his party had raised the issue in the Bihar Vidhan Sabha as early as November 28, but the state government failed to act promptly.
RJD’s Support and Concerns Over BPSC’s Handling of the Exam Process
Tejashwi Yadav raised serious questions regarding the BPSC’s exam process, especially the decision to cancel the exam at just one center. He argued that if the exam had been compromised due to a leak, why wasn’t it canceled across all centers? This, he claimed, was a sign of “normalization,” which the students had been protesting against. Yadav voiced his full support for the demand for a re-examination, stressing that the government needed to address the issues at the heart of the protests, rather than dismissing them.
Sanjay Yadav Criticizes Lathi Charge and Police Violence
RJD leader Sanjay Yadav also expressed strong condemnation of the police’s response to the protests. He criticized the lathi charge, highlighting the involvement of the District Magistrate (DM) in physically confronting the students, which he described as completely unacceptable. Yadav reiterated that the students’ demands were not only for their personal benefit but for the future of Bihar and the country as a whole. He called on the Bihar government to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the protesting students and address their grievances promptly.
Prashant Kishore Joins Protest, Slams Bihar Govt’s Authoritarian Approach
Prominent political figure Prashant Kishore joined the protesting BPSC aspirants in Gandhi Maidan, lending his support to their cause. Kishore condemned the government’s handling of the situation, accusing them of turning democracy into “lathi-tantra” and denying students their right to peacefully protest in public spaces. He emphasized that Gandhi Maidan, being a public area, was a legitimate space for the students to express their concerns. Kishore questioned why the government had made the issue of student protests a matter of prestige and power, stating that the students’ voices should be heard rather than suppressed.
Police Defend Actions, Claim Protesters Escalated Situation
While political leaders condemned the police action, the Bihar police defended their response, claiming that the use of water cannons was a result of the students pushing against the police. SP City Sweety Sahrawat explained that the police had attempted to negotiate with the students and allow them to present their demands peacefully. However, when the situation escalated, force was used to disperse the crowd. Despite the authorities’ defense, the overwhelming response from political figures and the public has been one of support for the students’ demands for a fair re-examination.
The Ongoing Protest and its Significance for Bihar’s Future
The protest in Gandhi Maidan, Patna, continues as students demand a re-examination for the 70th BPSC prelims. Their ongoing struggle is not only about their immediate future but also speaks to larger issues of transparency, fairness, and accountability in Bihar’s examination processes. With political figures like Tejashwi Yadav, Sanjay Yadav, and Prashant Kishore voicing strong support, the BPSC aspirants have gained significant attention. The state government now faces mounting pressure to address their concerns and ensure a just and transparent resolution.
