By – Prakarsh Kastwar
Patna, Bihar: The statewide protest led by Pappu Yadav and his supporters against the alleged irregularities in the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) preliminary examination brought transportation across Bihar to a standstill on Friday. Demonstrations erupted in multiple districts, including Patna, Purnia, Madhepura, and Aurangabad, as protesters blocked highways, railway tracks, and public roads.
Protests Disrupt Transport in Patna
In Patna, supporters of Pappu Yadav descended onto the railway tracks near Secretariat Halt, halting passenger trains. Protesters climbed onto the locomotive engine, raising slogans against the government. Passengers faced delays as the protesters blocked the tracks. The police intervened, eventually clearing the protesters, allowing the train to resume its journey.
Aurangabad: Highways Blocked
Aurangabad witnessed major disruptions as Pappu Yadav’s supporters, under the banner of the Chhatra Yuva Shakti organization, blocked National Highway-19 near Kama Bigaha. Protesters staged a sit-in on the highway, demanding the cancellation of the 70th BPSC preliminary examination. Their actions led to severe traffic congestion, leaving vehicles stranded for hours.
Protests in Gaya
In Gaya, demonstrators took to the streets, blocking roads and chanting slogans against the state government. Protesters criticized the alleged use of force against BPSC aspirants and demanded the cancellation of the examination. National and state highways were jammed as part of the state-wide agitation.
Purnia: Rail and Road Blockades
Purnia also bore the brunt of the protest, with demonstrators attempting to block trains at Purnia Junction. However, the railway police prevented them from reaching the station. To maintain order, police personnel were deployed across the city, ensuring minimal disruption.
Ara: Tires Burnt, Highways Blocked
In Ara, the protests turned aggressive as demonstrators set tires on fire and blocked National Highway-30. Protesters, led by Chhatra Yuva Shakti leader Brajesh Kumar, demanded justice for the BPSC aspirants and condemned the alleged police brutality. The blockades caused significant disruption on key routes, including Ara-Sasaram, Ara-Mohania, and Ara-Patna highways.
Madhepura Joins the Agitation
In Madhepura, demonstrators gathered at the Old Bus Stand Chowk, blocking roads and shouting slogans against the Bihar government. Protesters vowed to continue their agitation until their demand for the cancellation of the 70th BPSC examination was met.
Statewide Impact
The impact of the protests was felt across Bihar. In Begusarai, supporters of Pappu Yadav blocked National Highway-31, leading to traffic jams and delays. Protesters accused the government of malpractice in the BPSC examination and vowed to escalate their movement if their demands were not addressed.
Prashant Kishor’s Hunger Strike
Meanwhile, political strategist Prashant Kishor continued his hunger strike near the Gandhi Statue in Patna, joined by hundreds of students. Kishor reiterated the demand for the cancellation of the BPSC preliminary examination, citing irregularities and alleged favoritism. Supporters raised slogans against the state government, pressing for immediate reforms.
Protesters’ Demands
The primary demands of the protesters include:
- Cancellation of the 70th BPSC preliminary examination.
- Re-conducting the examination in a transparent manner.
- An investigation into the alleged malpractices and irregularities.
- Accountability for the use of force against students during previous protests.
Government’s Response
District authorities, including Sub-Divisional Officer Subodh Kumar, stated that efforts were underway to negotiate with the protesters and clear the blockades. The Bihar government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the demands of the demonstrators.
Conclusion
The statewide agitation has brought Bihar to a standstill, affecting daily life and transportation. With protests intensifying, the government faces mounting pressure to address the demands of the protesters and ensure justice for the BPSC aspirants.