Tensions flared in the Bihar capital late Sunday night as aspirants of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam clashed with police at Gandhi Maidan. The protests, centered around alleged irregularities in the 70th Combined Competitive Preliminary Examination, escalated into violence, resulting in the arrest of poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor and others.
A case has been registered against Kishor, the leader of the Jan Suraaj party, and approximately 600 unidentified protesters for instigating the crowd and creating a law-and-order situation. Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh confirmed Kishor’s arrest, adding that the Jan Suraaj Party had not obtained permission for the protest march, which later turned unruly.
Protest Turns Chaotic
The demonstrators, demanding a complete re-examination of the 70th BPSC prelims, breached two police barricades near JP Roundabout. Police resorted to baton charges and water cannons to disperse the crowd after aspirants refused to vacate the area.
“We requested the students to leave and assured them that their demands would be heard, but they pushed the police, prompting us to use water cannons,” said SP City Sweety Sahrawat.
The protesters claim the BPSC’s re-test announcement for 12,000 candidates at one center is inadequate and are demanding a complete re-examination. “We don’t want to be victims of political games. Our only demand is a fair re-examination,” said one aspirant.
Prashant Kishor Backs Students
Jan Suraaj leader Prashant Kishor voiced his support for the students, emphasizing that his party stands against any injustice. “Government officials have assured us they will discuss students’ demands with the Chief Secretary. If a favorable decision isn’t reached, we’ll decide on further protests tomorrow,” Kishor stated. He urged students to refrain from unlawful actions while the discussions continue.
Political Reactions
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav slammed the Bihar government for its handling of the protests, expressing solidarity with the aspirants.
Calls for Justice
As the dust settles, the focus remains on whether the state government will heed the students’ demands. The aspirants insist they want justice without political interference. “We are not here for politics; we are here for our future,” said another protester.