The alleged BPSC question paper leak has set Patna ablaze with protests. The conflict between the candidates and the commission has reached a tipping point. Student organizations are adamant about canceling the BPSC preliminary exams, yet the Bihar Public Service Commission is unwilling to engage with their demands. A significant clash broke out between the students seeking exam cancellation and the police on Sunday evening.
The opposition is criticizing the Nitish government for the police's use of force against students. AISA has called for a Bihar shutdown and road blockade on December 30 over the BPSC re-exam. CPI has also extended its support to the movement.
Tejashwi Accuses PK of Hijacking the Movement
Former Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a strong attack on Prashant Kishor, accusing him of derailing and hijacking the movement. He shared a video on Facebook stating that he had written to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar about the BPSC issue but received no response. He claimed that the government is jeopardizing the future of the youth and that the entire exam should be canceled. He expressed moral support for the BPSC candidates.
Tejashwi added that the police's use of batons on students amidst the cold was shocking and accused that it was done at Nitish Kumar's behest. He criticized Prashant Kishor for misleading the movement and alleged a conspiracy to dismantle it by involving the 'B Team' of the government and BJP. He urged students to amplify their voices peacefully and not get misguided by others, specifically targeting Prashant Kishor.
Source: aajtak
Students Wanted to Reach CM Residence
In Patna, BPSC candidates had been protesting for days to express their demands. On Sunday, they intended to deliver a memorandum to Nitish Kumar at his residence but were stopped by the police. Prashant Kishor joined the protest and was seen arguing with police officers. Demonstrators broke through barricades and proceeded, only to be met with water cannons at JP Golambar, where the police also used batons and eventually cleared them out from there.
The police filed an FIR against Prashant Kishor, party president Manoj Bharti, city teacher Ramananshu Mishra, and 600-700 unknown individuals, citing unauthorized gatherings at Gandhi Maidan. The police alleged that these people incited the students.
SP States Forced Use of Water Cannons
Patna Central SP Sweety Sahrawat stated, "There was no baton charge; only repeated requests were made for them (candidates) to disperse... We requested them to present their demands to us and were ready to negotiate, but they remained defiant. Candidates engaged in physical altercations with the administration. Eventually, we had to use water cannons. We intervened to clear them, but they refused to leave. The protest led to road blockages, trapping a large number of people. No representative from their side came forward. Prashant Kishor led the march but left the students at JP Golambar. Requests for them to disperse were ignored, prompting the use of water cannons."
Police's Lethal Baton Charge: Sanjay Singh
In Bihar, the opposition strongly criticized the Nitish government after the police baton-charged students protesting BPSC exam irregularities. AAP MP Sanjay Singh condemned the baton charge against fasting students. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), "The police launched a lethal baton charge on BPSC candidates. The government is displaying tyranny! We never expected this from you, Nitish Ji. The government should engage with students' demands. The country thrives on dialogue and constitution, not force."
Source: aajtak
Government Should Listen to Youth: Congress
The Congress party also criticized the police action as brutal and urged the Nitish government to heed the youth's call. "In bitter cold, using water cannons and then brutal baton charges—no one was spared," the Congress remarked. It urged the government to set aside arrogance and engage with the youth.
March Conducted Without Permission: Police
The District Magistrate informed PTI-language that protestors gathered at Gandhi Maidan despite warnings that unauthorized protests would not be tolerated. Some demonstrators were detained at JP Golambar when they refused to clear the road, leading to the use of water cannons and mild force as some protesters lay on roads to obstruct traffic. The government remains sensitive to the youth's concerns with the Chief Secretary ready to meet a BPSC-approved five-member delegation; however, students remain unwilling.
In conversation with journalists, a BPSC candidate stated, "We never expected such treatment from the government. We're fighting for our rights without associating with those entering our movement for political gains."
Source: aajtak
The Battle Will Last Long: Prashant Kishor
Addressing candidates at Gandhi Maidan, Prashant Kishor stated, "Shouting slogans for a single day will achieve nothing. Students' lives in Bihar have been ruined for years. This battle must be fought to the end and for an extended period."
Citing the farmers' movement, he said that substantial change only happened because farmers camped in Delhi for years. "To overhaul domicile policy, curb paper leaks, and eliminate corruption in jobs, Bihar students must unite and fight their battle," he asserted.
