BPSC Exam Protest: Trains stopped, road blocked at many places during Bihar Bandh

BPSC Exam Protest in Bihar: The student agitation in Bihar has intensified as they demand the cancellation of the 70th preliminary examination of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). A bandh called by the All India Students Association (AISA) on Monday has been supported by students. 

Leftist parties and the main opposition party, Rashtriya Janata Dal have also supported protest. Demonstrations have erupted across the state, with students blocking roads and railway tracks. The Bihar Sampark Kranti Express was stopped for one hour in Darbhanga and the Buxar-Patna passenger train for 10 minutes in Ara. The students have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are fulfilled.

For the past 13 days, students have been protesting against alleged irregularities in the BPSC examination and its new normalization rules. On Monday, AISA and Inquilabi Naujawan Sabha (RYA) members staged protests in Ara, Bettiah, and Samastipur. Traffic was disrupted on Samastipur-Patna State Highway for three hours, causing hardship to commuters.

Lathi-charge on Sunday

The situation escalated on Sunday night when students gathered at Gandhi Maidan and attempted to march toward the CM's residence. Police used water cannons and resorted to lathi charge when the protesters refused to disperse. Several students were injured who were later hospitalized.

Students oppose Kishor

Tensions flared further when political figure Prashant Kishor visited the protesting students. His presence sparked anger among the students, leading to heated exchanges. Students said they felt betrayed, as they believed Kishor had not supported them during the police crackdown. In response to the backlash, Kishor held a press conference, stating that if the students' demands are not addressed by January 2, he would join them in a dharna.

Kishor denies wrongdoing

The Patna police have accused Kishor of inciting the protests. An FIR has been registered against him and 20 others, including coaching operator Rahmanshu Mishra and several students. Kishor denied any wrongdoing, expressing his commitment to the students' cause.

Meanwhile, Purnia MP Pappu Yadav visited injured students at Patna Medical College and Hospital and asked them to be ready for a prolonged struggle. He encouraged a strategic approach to ensure their victory in the battle for their rights.