Protests intensify in Patna as hunger strike continues for justice in 70th BPSC examination
Patna (The Uttam Hindu): Prashant Kishor Chief of the Jan Suraaj Party along with several Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) candidates began a hunger strike on Thursday near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Maidan in Patna demanding a fair re-examination of the 70th BPSC Preliminary Test (PT) amid allegations of irregularities. The protest held in severe cold aims to highlight the dissatisfaction with the BPSC examination process. Kishor who led the hunger strike emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry into the examination process and called for a re-examination of the 70th combined preliminary examination to ensure justice for all candidates. He said, "I sat on an indefinite hunger strike to support the candidates' demand for a fair examination."
The protestors including Kishor chanted slogans against the Bihar government and the BPSC. Tensions have been escalating since December 29 when BPSC candidates led by Kishor were met with cane charges and water cannons while marching towards the Chief Minister's residence. Several students were injured during the clashes. The controversy surrounding the examination began on December 13 when candidates boycotted the BPSC preliminary test at the Bapu Examination Centre due to delayed question papers. Videos showing mobile phone usage and security lapses further fueled protests. In response BPSC canceled the exam at the Bapu Centre and rescheduled it for December 4. However students demanded the cancellation of the entire exam due to widespread irregularities at all centres.On December 30 a delegation of 10 BPSC aspirants met with Bihar's Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena. The candidates reported a positive and constructive discussion with the Chief Secretary assuring them that their concerns would be addressed soon. Despite this neither the Bihar government nor the BPSC has taken action regarding the upcoming exam scheduled for January 4.In parallel, Pappu Yadav an Independent MP from Purnea announced a Rail Chakka Jam (rail blockade) on January 3 to demand the cancellation of the 70th BPSC Preliminary Test. Yadav also called for the blockade of all national and state highways in Bihar in support of the candidates. He plans to join the protest in Patna on Friday urging youth across Bihar to participate in the movement.
The 70th BPSC PT has come under scrutiny due to allegations of mismanagement and irregularities. Despite raising the issue with the Governor, Yadav claims the BPSC has failed to take action and instead pressured students by announcing a re-examination only for the Bapu Centre. Yadav further stated that he would visit the protest site at Gardanibagh, Patna where students have been on a hunger strike for 16 days. He plans to sit on dharna alongside the candidates to show solidarity. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav has also supported the students' demands visiting the site to interact with them and calling for the cancellation of the entire examination.The ongoing protest and hunger strike underscore the frustration among BPSC candidates, who feel the examination process is flawed and lacks accountability, leading to calls for systemic reform and justice.
