Niyati Shivhare
Patna: For the past 13 days, candidates of the 70th BPSC preliminary exam have been protesting, demanding the cancellation of the exam. The protests have intensified as Left and RJD parties extended their support to the candidates. Allegations of irregularities in the exam process have fueled the agitation, with candidates insisting on a re-examination.
In Ara and Darbhanga, protestors stopped trains, causing a halt in services for an hour. Student organizations like AISA and RYA blocked roads in Ara, Botia, and Samastipur, resulting in significant traffic disruptions. The situation escalated further on December 29 when protestors marching toward the Chief Minister’s residence faced police lathi charges. An FIR was subsequently lodged against Prashant Kishor and other individuals allegedly involved in the protests.
Amidst these developments, political figures have weighed in on the issue. Independent MP Pappu Yadav met the Governor and injured candidates, urging them not to be influenced by leaders like Prashant Kishor. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s handling of the situation and extended his support to the protesting candidates.
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has not agreed to cancel the exam despite the mounting pressure. The commission has instead proposed talks, but the candidates have rejected this offer, maintaining their demand for a re-examination. Allegations of a question paper leak and discrepancies in the exam held on December 13 have been at the center of the controversy.
Adding to the candidates’ grievances, the BPSC’s decision to introduce normalization for the first time and its consultation with private coaching institutes on exam conduct have drawn widespread criticism. As the protests continue to escalate, it remains uncertain whether the commission will concede to the candidates’ demands or stand firm on its decisions.
