Patna (Bihar) [India]: The All India Students’ Association (AISA) organized a state-wide protest on Friday, demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission’s (BPSC) 70th Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) held on December 13, 2024, and calling for the announcement of new exam dates.
Protestors in Patna were seen carrying flags and placards while raising slogans. Some demonstrators attempted to block vehicles of officials, escalating tensions in the state capital.
Political Leaders Join the Fray
RJD MP Misa Bharti criticized the state government, alleging a lack of governance and concern for students’ issues.
“It seems there is no government in the state; nobody is addressing the grievances of students, farmers, and unemployed youth. People are angry and will elect a good government in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections,” Bharti said.
मैंने संसद में कहा था कि जिस तरह एकलव्य का अंगूठा कटवाया गया था उसी तरह पेपर लीक करवाकर युवाओं का अंगूठा काटा जाता है।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 26, 2024
इसका ताज़ा उदाहरण बिहार है। BPSC अभ्यार्थी पेपर लीक के ख़िलाफ़ आवाज़ उठा रहे हैं और एग्जाम को रद्द करने की मांग कर रहे हैं।
लेकिन NDA की सरकार अपनी नाकामी को… pic.twitter.com/tJLFzT7GPh
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed solidarity with the protesting students, criticizing the BJP for alleged failures in government recruitment processes.
“The BJP is cutting the thumb of the youth, like Ekalavya, destroying their future. Recruitment announcements are delayed, exams are postponed, papers are leaked, and when youth demand justice, their voices are crushed,” Gandhi stated in a post on X.
He further alleged that two students protesting against irregularities in Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission exams were arrested, accusing the government of suppressing dissent.
Prashant Kishor’s Support for the Protests
Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor lent his voice to the protest, backing students’ demands and condemning the alleged BPSC paper leak. Speaking at Gandhi Maidan, Kishor declared, “This protest will continue. I have been working in Bihar for two and a half years. If supporting students is called politics, then yes, I am doing politics.”
He accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of prioritizing power over addressing the concerns of the people.
“Nitish Kumar is focused on holding onto his chair rather than solving the real issues of the state,” Kishor added.
The Demand for Justice
The protests stem from allegations of irregularities in the recently conducted BPSC preliminary exam, with students demanding its cancellation and a rescheduled date to ensure fairness. Accusations of a paper leak have heightened tensions, with students urging the government to investigate and take accountability.
The demonstrations continue to gain momentum, drawing attention from opposition leaders and activists, setting the stage for heightened political activity in Bihar as assembly elections approach.