Police Disperse Protesters Demanding BPSC Exam Cancellation in Patna

Patna: On Sunday, police used water cannons and light force to disperse protesters demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination held on December 13. The incident escalated when protesters attempted to march towards Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s residence.

District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh stated that the protesters, despite prior warnings, assembled at Gandhi Maidan without authorization. He revealed that while marching from Gandhi Maidan to JP Golambar, they tore down barricades and blocked traffic. “Water cannons and light force were used to clear the roads as some protesters laid down, disrupting public movement,” Singh added.

An FIR was lodged against 21 identified individuals and 700 unidentified participants, including political figure Prashant Kishor, his party president Manoj Bharti, and two tutors, Ramanshu Mishra and Rohan Anand, for allegedly inciting students to protest. According to Singh, the gathering at Gandhi Maidan violated administrative orders prohibiting demonstrations in the area.

Prashant Kishor, who joined the protest briefly, criticized Chief Minister Kumar, accusing him of ignoring the concerns of the state’s youth. “The Chief Minister has time for private trips to Delhi but no time to address the grievances of students,” Kishor remarked. He also urged students to consider a “relay fast” to avoid risking their health during prolonged protests.

Addressing BPSC candidates, Kishor assured them of his support, stating, “The protest will continue until the demand to cancel the examination is accepted. I stand with the students.”

Tensions rose as police detained several protesters near JP Golambar for refusing to leave the road. Among those arrested were two tutors accused of inciting students. A candidate expressed dismay at the government’s handling of the situation, saying, “We never expected such a response from the authorities.”

Meanwhile, the state administration emphasized its sensitivity to the concerns of the youth. The Chief Secretary agreed to meet a five-member delegation representing the protesting candidates. However, Singh noted that the protesters were unable to organize and name five representatives, complicating negotiations.

The BPSC examination has been mired in controversy, with students alleging irregularities and demanding its cancellation. While the government expressed willingness to engage with the candidates, the situation remains unresolved as protests continue to intensify.

The incident underscores the growing unrest among Bihar’s youth, as students rally for transparency and justice in the examination process.