The BPSC Exam Row took a dramatic turn on Friday as supporters of independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, better known as Pappu Yadav, staged a rail blockade demanding the cancellation of the recent Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam. Protesters gathered at Sachiwalay Halt Railway Station, halting train operations for a brief period and delaying the movement of the Buxar-Fatuha passenger train by approximately 20 minutes. East Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Saraswati Chandra confirmed that the blockade disrupted rail services temporarily before the train resumed its journey.
The protests stem from allegations of irregularities and corruption in the 70th Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), which BPSC conducted on December 13. Civil service aspirants and political leaders have voiced their discontent, demanding the exam’s cancellation and a fresh, fair test.
BPSC Exam Row Intensifies With Hunger Strike
The BPSC Exam Row gained further traction as Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor began a hunger strike to press for the exam’s cancellation. Kishor, a prominent political activist, has been staging his protest at Gandhi Maidan despite the administration labeling it “illegal” and filing an FIR against him and others for demonstrating at a restricted site.
“My primary demand is the cancellation of the exam held on December 13 and conducting a fresh test,” Kishor stated. He also highlighted allegations that posts to be filled by the exam were “virtually put on sale,” calling for corrupt officials involved to be identified and punished.
Kishor’s protest runs parallel to a continuous sit-in by civil service aspirants at Gardani Bagh, a designated protest site just two kilometers from Gandhi Maidan. Aspirants have accused the BPSC of failing to maintain the integrity of the examination process, citing a leaked question paper and inadequate measures to ensure fairness.
Political Support And Demonstrations
The BPSC Exam Row has drawn support from various political parties and student organizations. The CPI(ML) Liberation announced that its student wing AISA and other like-minded groups would stage a demonstration outside Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s residence. They aim to pressure the state government to address the issue and ensure accountability within the BPSC.
Meanwhile, Pappu Yadav’s supporters have intensified their efforts to amplify the demands for exam cancellation. By halting rail services, they have highlighted the urgency of the issue and the growing public dissatisfaction with the handling of the recruitment process.
The state administration has responded by rescheduling the exam for over 10,000 candidates who appeared at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar center, where allegations of a paper leak first surfaced. These candidates have been asked to retake the test on January 4 at newly designated centers across Patna. However, this move has done little to quell the anger of aspirants and political leaders, who are demanding broader action and systemic reform.
Widespread Impact Of The BPSC Exam Row
The December 13 exam saw more than five lakh candidates appear, underscoring the scale of the controversy. Many candidates at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar center boycotted the test, citing the alleged leak and questioning the examination’s credibility.
The allegations have sparked a wave of protests across the state, with activists and aspirants demanding not only the cancellation of the exam but also transparency in future recruitment processes. The rail blockade in Patna and the hunger strike by Prashant Kishor reflect the depth of frustration among the affected candidates and the larger public.
The BPSC has termed the allegations of corruption and paper leaks as part of a “conspiracy” but has faced criticism for its handling of the situation. Critics argue that the commission’s response has been insufficient and that more decisive action is needed to restore faith in the examination system.
Exam Rescheduling And The Path Forward
While the BPSC has announced a rescheduled exam for affected candidates, the move has been met with skepticism. Protesters argue that simply holding a re-exam for a fraction of the candidates does not address the larger issues of corruption and systemic inefficiencies.
The BPSC Exam Row has also raised broader questions about the transparency and accountability of recruitment processes in Bihar. Competitive exams are a crucial gateway for government jobs, and allegations of malpractice undermine the trust of lakhs of aspirants who invest significant time and effort in preparing for these tests.
With political leaders like Pappu Yadav and Prashant Kishor amplifying these concerns, the state government faces mounting pressure to act decisively. The protests have disrupted daily life in Patna, affecting transportation and drawing national attention to the issue.
As the rescheduled exams approach, the administration’s ability to address the concerns of aspirants and ensure a fair, transparent process will be critical in resolving the BPSC Exam Row. For now, the protests continue, reflecting the collective demand for justice and accountability in Bihar’s examination system.