Political players in the field of BPSC students protest: Confusion, Blame Game, and a Charged Atmosphere

Patna, December 31, 2024

The ongoing protest by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants against the recent examination irregularities and the subsequent lathi charge by police has taken a political turn, with multiple leaders jumping into the fray. The adage “too many cooks spoil the food” seems apt for the current scenario, as the involvement of various political figures has left students in the crossfire of political agendas.

At midnight, Purnia MP Pappu Yadav reached the protest site at Gardanibagh to stand with BPSC students.

Political Leaders Seek Credit

The students’ protest has attracted significant political attention, with leaders from across parties making their presence felt. Purnea MP Pappu Yadav met the protesting students and later approached the Governor to discuss the issue. Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor has also joined the cause, while ex Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has been vocally criticizing the state government for its handling of the protests.

Adding to the mix, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Chirag Paswan claimed that his intervention led to the recent meeting between the Chief Secretary and the protesting students. However, his claim has drawn criticism, as he failed to provide prior information about any communication with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Following the meeting, Chirag Paswan shared on social media that his efforts had initiated a dialogue between the government and the students.

Government’s Response and Police Actions

The protest escalated after the police used lathi charge and water cannons to disperse students in Patna. This has drawn widespread condemnation from both political leaders and the public. Former ministers in Nitish Kumar’s cabinet criticized the police’s heavy-handed approach, describing the incident as a shameful moment for Bihar.

Police Use Water Cannons and Lathicharge on Protestors(BPSC aspirants

Pushpam Priya Choudhary, the leader of the Plurals Party, expressed her disappointment over the lathi charge and urged the Chief Minister to provide the protesting students with another chance. She called for calm and emphasized that the issue should be resolved in a manner that prioritizes the future of Bihar’s youth over political interests.

Chirag Paswan, in his statement on X (formerly Twitter), wrote, “As a key ally of the NDA government, I urged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to intervene immediately. Consequently, the Chief Secretary initiated a dialogue with the students. This reflects our government’s positive approach and sensitivity towards students’ concerns.” Paswan further appealed to the students to protest peacefully and avoid falling into political traps.

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However, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has accused the government of inaction and indecision. Speaking at a press conference, RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav credited Tejashwi’s efforts for bringing the issue to the forefront of regional and national news channels. “Nitish Kumar, despite being the Chief Minister, has remained silent on this critical issue. His silence raises many questions,” said Shakti Singh Yadav.

Demands of the Protesters

The students are demanding the cancellation of the 70th BPSC examination and a re-examination to ensure transparency and fairness. They have also sought strict action against those responsible for the irregularities.

The recent lathi charge has further fueled their anger, with many questioning the government’s intent. “The use of force against peaceful protesters is unacceptable. The government must address our demands instead of silencing our voices,” said one of the protesting students.

A Divided Political Front

While the government claims to be working on resolving the issue, the opposition and independent political leaders continue to target Nitish Kumar. ex Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav stated, “It is due to our efforts that the issue has gained national attention. The government’s lack of clarity on the matter is deeply concerning.”

Pushpam Priya Choudhary also emphasized the need to keep the issue above politics. “This matter concerns the future of Bihar’s youth and its development. It should be addressed without political interference,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chirag Paswan called for accountability within the police force, urging action against officers responsible for the excessive use of force. “Police must exercise restraint. Students protesting for their future should be met with understanding, not violence,” he added.

The mounting criticism has put Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in a difficult position. While he has remained silent publicly, sources suggest that the government is keen to resolve the issue. However, the involvement of multiple political players has added layers of complexity to the situation.

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The Road Ahead

As the students’ protest continues, the state government faces the dual challenge of addressing their demands while managing the political fallout. The situation underscores the need for swift and decisive action to ensure justice for the students and to restore public confidence in the BPSC examination process.

Whether this will mark a turning point in Bihar’s political landscape or further deepen the divide remains to be seen. For now, the students hope that their voices will be heard, and their future safeguarded.

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