PATNA — The
agitation for the re-conduct of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 70th
Preliminary Test (PT) gained significant momentum on Friday as protests erupted
across Bihar, drawing widespread participation from students’ unions, political
parties, and activists.
The protest saw dramatic scenes in Patna as students broke
barricades at the JP roundabout in Gandhi Maidan and marched towards Dak
Bungalow Chowk, aiming to proceed to the Chief Minister’s residence.
Members of the CPI-ML, Congress, and All India Students
Union (AISU) joined the students, amplifying the demand for justice.
Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, a vocal supporter
of the movement, led a separate protest by blocking railway operations at
Sachiwalay Halt earlier in the day.
Rajesh Ranjan and his supporters then marched to the Income
Tax roundabout, intending to block Bailey Road and Veerchand Patel Path.
Rajesh Ranjan’s aide, Raju Danveer, reinforced their
determination to disrupt the BPSC examination scheduled for January 4, stating,
“We went to the Income Tax roundabout to block the road. The examination
scheduled for tomorrow will be disrupted. Protests will be held near the
examination centres. We will ensure a re-examination at any cost.”
The statewide protest has drawn support from diverse groups,
including political workers who marched alongside students to demand
accountability from the BPSC and the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government.
Paliganj MLA Sandeep Saurabh criticised the state government
for its inaction, stating, "The agitation has been going on for 17 days,
but the government has not resolved this issue. Evidence of irregularities has
been presented. Instead of addressing the issue, the government resorts to
lathi charges on the aspirants. We aim to make this deaf and dumb government
aware of the issues faced by the youth."
CPI-ML MLA Ajit Kushwaha also joined the protests,
condemning the alleged irregularities as anti-democratic.
He emphasised the historical strength of Bihar's movements
against oppressive measures, saying: "Attempts to suppress the voices of
Bihar with sticks and force have always failed. We will confront the Chief
Minister to demand justice for the youth."
