Bihar bandh: Pappu Yadav leads protests, roads blocked, tyres burned demanding cancellation of BPSC exam

Patna (The Uttam Hindu): On January 12, 2025 widespread protests erupted across Bihar as independent MP Pappu Yadav called for a state-wide bandh in support of students demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 70th Preliminary Exam. Yadav's supporters took to the streets, blocking roads and burning tires in various locations, including Patna and Purnea to draw attention to their cause.

The bandh was organized after allegations of malpractices in the BPSC exam with Yadav emphasizing that the issue goes beyond a single examination and reflects a larger problem of paper leaks in competitive exams nationwide. Protesters engaged in demonstrations, chanting slogans and urging shopkeepers and drivers to shut their businesses in solidarity. In Patna, significant disruptions occurred on Ashok Rajpath where protesters set tires on fire and blocked traffic. Riot control teams were deployed by the police to manage the situation but reports indicated that some protesters resorted to vandalism, breaking vehicle windows. Similar protests were reported in districts like Aurangabad and Gaya, where students and supporters gathered to voice their demands.

The Jan Suraaj Party, led by Prashant Kishor also expressed solidarity with the students, offering legal assistance to those who have filed petitions challenging the exam process. The party clarified that it is not directly petitioning the court but is supporting students in exploring their legal options. While Yadav’s call for the bandh primarily aimed at shutting down markets rather than disrupting transportation systems such as railways, tensions escalated as protesters expressed their frustration with the perceived injustices in the examination process. The situation remains dynamic as authorities continue to monitor and respond to the ongoing protests.