Thousands of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants gathered at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Sunday, demanding the cancellation and re-examination of the 70th BPSC preliminary exams conducted on December 13. The protest escalated as aspirants broke through two police barricades near JP Golambar, with some minor scuffles reported between the protestors and police personnel.
The demonstrators insisted on meeting Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to address their grievances regarding alleged irregularities in the examination process. Police resorted to mild lathi charges to disperse the crowd as protestors attempted to march towards Dak Bungalow via Fraser Road. Additional security measures, including barricades near Hotel Maurya, were implemented to prevent further escalation.
Growing Support for the Aspirants
The protests have drawn widespread support from activists, educationalists, and political leaders. Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, voiced solidarity with the students, criticizing systemic corruption in Bihar’s examination system. He urged the state government to address the concerns raised by aspirants and restore integrity in the selection process.
Administration’s Warning
In response to the unrest, the District Magistrate issued a warning against unauthorized gatherings at Gandhi Maidan, urging students to maintain peace and seek redress through proper channels. Despite the appeal, the protests have intensified, reflecting deep dissatisfaction among aspirants over the handling of the BPSC exams.
The controversy surrounding the 70th BPSC preliminary exam has sparked widespread debate, with allegations of malpractice and procedural lapses dominating discussions. Aspirants claim irregularities in question papers and evaluation processes, demanding a fair and transparent re-examination to uphold the credibility of the competitive exam.
As tensions persist, all eyes are on the state administration to resolve the issue and address the demands of the protesting students.