Patna: The protest by BPSC candidates at Gardnibagh, Patna, has entered its 10th day, with candidates gearing up for a march in the city. Authorities have tightened security, closing both gates of the protest site and deploying heavy forces. Water cannons have also been stationed. The administration has clarified that no one is being restricted from entering or exiting the area. Officials, including the SDM, are present at the site to monitor the situation.
Today, popular educator Khan Sir joined the protest and urged the authorities to act with caution. Addressing the administration, he stated, “These students will be future officers and your seniors. Think before using lathis on them.” Khan Sir revealed that six candidates have been called for discussions at the BPSC office.
The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the BPSC PT exam, citing irregularities. They argue that holding the same exam twice is unfair and that results should be based on a single test to ensure justice. Questions have been raised about discrepancies at 911 exam centers and concerns over the fairness of the January 4 test compared to the December 13 one. Candidates believe that if the January 4 paper is easier, it will disadvantage those who appeared in the earlier test.
Prashant Kishore, who had earlier expressed solidarity with the candidates, canceled his planned padyatra for the day. Reports suggest that preparations were being made to detain him near Dumra Chowki. Kishore had previously assured the protesters that he would stand at the forefront in case of a lathicharge, stating, “If the police resort to lathicharge, I will be the first to face it.”
On Thursday evening, Kishore visited the protest site but left within 10 minutes after candidates demanded that he stay with them. Following resistance from the protesters, he had to return without further interaction.
In a new development, the protest took a turn at 4 pm when some candidates began protesting against Khan Sir and Rehman Sir, accusing them of hijacking the movement. Both educators had been standing in support of the candidates since morning but left the site following the accusations. Khan Sir and Rehman Sir have now returned from Gardnibagh, leaving the protest site in the hands of the candidates.
The protest continues to gather momentum as more BPSC candidates arrive at Gardnibagh. The key demands of the protesters include conducting a single examination, releasing CCTV footage from the Bapu Exam Center, and ensuring fairness in the recruitment process. Khan Sir reiterated earlier that the commission is solely responsible for the irregularities, urging immediate corrective action.
