The controversy over allegations of irregularities in the 70th BPSC preliminary examination is not stopping. The candidates are sitting on a dharna in Gardnibagh, Patna since December 18, demanding the cancellation of the examination held on December 13, 2024. Last Wednesday (December 25), the police lathi-charged the protesters while gheraoing the BPSC office. After this, former MP Pappu Yadav announced that if the demands of the candidates are not met, then Bihar will remain closed on January 1.
Reaction of opposition parties
Congress’s stance
Congress expressed support towards the candidates, but distanced itself from Pappu Yadav’s announcement of bandh.
- Congress spokesperson Rajesh Rathore said:
“Our party stands with the BPSC candidates. State President Akhilesh Prasad Singh visited the protest site and met the students and took their complaints in writing, which will be handed over to Rahul Gandhi.”
- He clarified that Pappu Yadav’s announcement of bandh is his personal decision, which has nothing to do with Congress.
RJD’s stance
The main opposition party RJD also distanced itself from Pappu Yadav’s announcement.
- Party spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari said:
“Our leader Tejashwi Yadav always cares about the welfare of students and youth. But any decision on the announcement of Pappu Yadav’s bandh will be taken by the top leadership only.”
NDA attack
BJP’s statement
BJP called Pappu Yadav’s bandh a complete failure.
- BJP spokesperson Prabhakar Mishra said:
“Pappu Yadav’s bandh announcement is just an attempt to mislead the public. They have done many such closures before, which never succeeded. The entire Bihar celebrates New Year on January 1, announcing a bandh on that day is an attempt to harass the public.”
- He said that if evidence of irregularities is found in the BPSC examination, the examination of the concerned center will be cancelled.
JDU statement
JDU spokesperson Arvind Nishad said that the government is fully committed to the candidates.
- Making clear the intentions of Nitish Kumar’s government, he said:
“After the ruckus at Bapu examination complex, the examination there was cancelled. The government is considering every matter impartially.”
LJP Ram Vilas attack
Union Minister Chirag Paswan’s party also targeted Pappu Yadav.
- LJP Ram Vilas spokesperson Dr. Vineet Singh said:
“Pappu Yadav has announced the bandh for his political gains. “Candidates should understand that the Bihar government is working as per the law.”
- Citing the Supreme Court’s decision on NEET exam, he said that it is not practical to cancel the entire exam.
What is the public’s stance on Bihar bandh?
The candidates believe that their demands are legitimate, but differences between political parties have complicated their struggle.
- Police lathi charge has increased the anger among the candidates.
- However, many candidates are skeptical about the possibility of finding a solution through the bandh.
