Protests Continue to Rock Bihar as Demonstrators Disrupt Traffic Over BPSC Exam Controversy.
Patna:
Protests intensified on Friday across Bihar, as demonstrators continued to demand the cancellation of the recent Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination. The protests, which have gained momentum over the last few days, saw agitators disrupting both rail and vehicular movement in Patna and several other parts of the state. Independent MP Pappu Yadav led a series of protests that affected daily commuters and added to the growing unrest surrounding the examination process.
The unrest comes just a day ahead of fresh tests for a select group of candidates, further exacerbating tensions in the state. Protesters, including students and local activists, gathered in significant numbers in various parts of the state, including the capital Patna, Araria, Purnea, and Muzaffarpur.
In Patna, demonstrators initially gathered at Sachivalaya Halt railway station in the morning. The protesters squatted on the tracks, halting train movement for a brief period. The blockade caused delays in train services, further aggravating the situation. Authorities scrambled to clear the tracks and resume normal operations, but the protestors remained undeterred, continuing their demonstration throughout the day.
The protests quickly spread to other locations, including busy roadways in Patna, where traffic was severely affected. Protesters blocked major intersections, causing significant disruptions to vehicular movement. Police forces were deployed to manage the situation, but protestors, many of them affiliated with Left-leaning student organizations, managed to hold their ground in several locations.
In a notable move, police stopped a group of Left-leaning student organizations from marching towards the residence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, further escalating tensions. The students, who were part of a broader coalition demanding justice, were prevented from advancing by law enforcement, leading to clashes between the two groups.
Independent MP Pappu Yadav, a prominent figure in Bihar’s political landscape, led some of the protests, actively blocking both rail and road traffic in various areas. His supporters raised slogans demanding the cancellation of the recently conducted BPSC exam, accusing the commission of irregularities in the examination process. Yadav’s participation added political weight to the protests, as he sought to mobilize his followers across Bihar.
The protests are primarily driven by allegations of malpractices and unfairness in the BPSC exam, with many candidates claiming that the selection process was flawed. The Bihar Public Service Commission, however, has defended its examination process, asserting that it follows a transparent and fair system.
The ongoing unrest has put significant pressure on the state government, with various student organizations and political parties joining the protest movement. The situation remains tense, and authorities have promised to take necessary steps to ensure law and order are maintained, as fresh exams are scheduled to take place in the coming days.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the protests will subside or escalate further in the lead-up to the exams. The state government has yet to comment on the specific demands of the protesters, but it is expected that the issue will continue to dominate political discussions in the coming days.
