Patna: Former MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, has announced a statewide bandh in Bihar on January 12, 2025, in solidarity with students demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 70th preliminary examination. Speaking at a press conference at Hotel Maurya in Patna, Yadav alleged widespread corruption and systemic failures in examination processes, calling it a deliberate conspiracy to undermine the future of students.
“The issue is not limited to BPSC,” Yadav said. “Today, it’s BPSC; tomorrow, it could be recruitment exams for constables, clerks, or even medical professionals. Recently, burnt admit cards related to medical exams were found in the house of a JDU MLA’s nephew. Paper leaks cannot occur without the involvement of government officials and powerful political figures.”
Support from Political and Student Groups
Yadav claimed that the bandh has garnered support from various student and political organizations, including Chandrashekhar Ravan’s Azad Samaj Party, Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM, and Rajasthan MP Hanuman Beniwal. He appealed to opposition leaders to transcend party lines, emphasizing that the fight against examination fraud is a collective battle against systemic corruption.
“All opposition legislative party leaders should come together, leaving behind their political banners,” he urged. “This issue goes beyond BPSC; it’s about the entire system enabling paper leaks.”
Yadav also criticized coaching mafias and unnamed political brokers for undermining the movement of over four lakh students protesting against irregularities in the exam. “Economically weaker families sell their land to educate their children, but their dreams are being destroyed by corruption. Only those with crores of rupees can aspire to become IAS, IPS, or engineers under the current system,” he said.
Allegations of Mismanagement
Citing evidence of mismanagement in the BPSC 70th PT exam, Yadav revealed that a district magistrate admitted 173 out of 192 question papers had already reached classrooms. Furthermore, examination centres were reportedly shifted at the last minute, and jammers were absent at many locations. “How can students trust the system when such blatant violations occur?” Yadav asked.
Yadav has filed a 150-page petition in the Patna High Court, demanding the cancellation and re-conduct of the exam. The petition also calls for the withdrawal of cases filed against protesting students. He warned that his party would not allow the state assembly to function from March 31 if the demands are not met.
Targeting Prashant Kishor
Without explicitly naming political strategist Prashant Kishor, Yadav accused “broker-type people” of diluting the movement. He alleged a conspiracy to suppress the student protests and hinted at Kishor’s involvement in coaching mafias.
Yadav also took a dig at Medanta Hospital, where Kishor recently sought treatment. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked tirelessly without visiting any hospital. Why isn’t there an investigation into the hospital issuing false medical bulletins?” he questioned.
Appeal for Statewide Support
Calling for the participation of shopkeepers, students, and political parties, Yadav said, “The bandh will be a display of unity under the green and blue flag of youth power.” He appealed to the Congress and Left parties for their support and reiterated his commitment to fighting against the institutionalised corruption that threatens students’ futures.
The press conference was attended by Johar Azad of the Azad Samaj Party, state general secretary DS Ravidas, and other political allies, including Prem Chand Singh and Shahzada Ayub.
