New Delhi [India]: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the Bihar govt for its treatment of students protesting against the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).
Gandhi expressed dismay over the use of lathicharge and water cannons against students braving the cold weather to demand re-examinations following allegations of corruption, rigging, and paper leaks.
“Double-Engine Government Symbolizes Double Atrocities”
Gandhi accused the BJP-led Bihar government of prioritizing suppression over addressing corruption. “The government is responsible for stopping corruption and paper leaks in exams, but instead, students are being silenced through inhuman measures like water cannons and lathi charges,” she posted on X.
The protests gained wider attention after being joined by political figures, including Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) founder Prashant Kishor, who criticized the government for transforming democracy into “lathi-tantra.”
Clashes Among Protest Leaders
A viral video shared by Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan (alias Pappu Yadav) showed Prashant Kishor engaging in a verbal spat with protesting students, accusing them of demanding favors instead of focusing on their cause.
Yadav criticized Kishor, saying, “He is showing arrogance despite being a new leader. Students have toppled governments before, who are you to threaten them?”
Support from Opposition Leaders
- Tejashwi Yadav, RJD leader and former Deputy CM of Bihar, condemned the lathicharge, describing the visuals as painful. He emphasized his party’s efforts to raise the issue in the Vidhan Sabha.
- The RJD called for a fair investigation into the exam irregularities and justice for the students.
Escalating Protests and Police Response
The protests erupted following allegations of irregularities in the 70th BPSC prelims examination. On Sunday, police used water cannons and lathicharge to disperse demonstrators in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, claiming that students had pushed security forces.
SP City Sweety Sahrawat defended the police response, saying it was a reaction to the protesters’ actions. However, students maintained they were being victimized to divert attention from the issue.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights ongoing concerns over governance, transparency in competitive exams, and youth disenchantment. The protests could further amplify political tensions in Bihar as leaders across the spectrum voice their stance on the matter.