Introduction: Bihar BPSC Protests: Latest Updates
The Bihar Public Service Commission aka BPSC protests have intensified over the past few days, with students, political parties, and activists demanding the cancellation of the 70th Preliminary Test (PT) due to allegations of paper leaks. Here’s a detailed look at the latest updates and key insights from the ongoing protests.
Key Updates
Prashant Kishor’s Hunger Strike
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has initiated an indefinite hunger strike in Patna, demanding the cancellation of the BPSC exam. Kishor criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for ignoring student protests and vowed to continue his hunger strike until their demands are met2.
Political Support Grows
The agitation has gained significant momentum, drawing widespread participation from students’ unions, political parties, and activists. Prominent political figures, including Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, have joined the protests. Yadav and his supporters staged a ‘Rail roko’ to press their demand for the exam’s cancellation3.
Protests Across Bihar
BPSC Protests erupted across Bihar, with dramatic scenes in Patna as students broke barricades at the JP roundabout in Gandhi Maidan and marched towards Dak Bungalow Chowk. Members of the CPI-ML, Congress, and All India Students Union (AISU) joined the students, amplifying the demand for justice1.
Disruption of Services
Protesters have disrupted railway operations and blocked major roads in Bihar. In Patna, supporters of Rajesh Ranjan blocked railway tracks at Sachiwalay Halt, causing delays in train services3. The demonstrations have resulted in widespread disruption, including lengthy vehicle queues and halted railway services.
Key Insights
- Demand for Transparency: BPSC Protests activists are demanding transparency in the recruitment process and accountability from the BPSC and the Bihar government.
- Historical Strength of Movements: CPI-ML MLA Ajit Kushwaha emphasized the historical strength of Bihar’s movements against oppressive measures, stating that attempts to suppress the voices of Bihar with force have always failed.
- Government’s Response: The state government has been criticized for its inaction and use of force against the protesters. The administration has registered an FIR against Prashant Kishor for holding an illegal hunger strike3.
Conclusion
The Bihar BPSC protests continue to gain momentum, with growing political support and widespread participation from students and activists. The demand for transparency and accountability remains strong, as protesters vow to continue their agitation until their demands are met.
More to read at The Hindu Article
Also read Freshnews India
FAQs
Q1: What are the main demands of the BPSC protest performers? The main demands include the cancellation of the 70th Preliminary Test (PT) and a re-examination due to allegations of paper leaks.
Q2: Who are the key political figures supporting the protests? Key political figures include Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav and CPI-ML MLA Ajit Kushwaha.
Q3: How have the protests affected daily life in Bihar? The protests have caused significant disruptions, including blocked roads, halted railway services, and lengthy traffic jams.
Q4: What is Prashant Kishor’s role in the protests? Prashant Kishor has initiated an indefinite hunger strike to press the demand for the exam’s cancellation
Q5: What triggered the protests? The protests were triggered by allegations of paper leaks in the 70th Preliminary Test conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission.
Q6: What actions have the students taken as part of the protests? Students have participated in marches, broke barricades, and blocked railway tracks and major roads as part of the protests.
Q7: How has the state government responded to the BPSC protests? The state government has registered an FIR against Prashant Kishor for holding an illegal hunger strike and has been criticized for its inaction and use of force against the protesters.
Q8: What is the impact of the protests on the BPSC examination process? The protests have raised serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of the BPSC examination process, leading to demands for a re-examination.