Bihar: Supporters of Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, staged large-scale protests in Patna on Sunday, January 12, demanding the cancellation and re-examination of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Combined Competitive Exam. The protests, called by Yadav as part of a ‘Bihar Bandh’, caused major disruptions across the city, with traffic snarls reported in several key areas.
Protesters, including Yadav’s supporters, burned tyres, blocked roads, and created severe traffic jams, particularly in localities like Kankarbagh and Ashok Rajpath. Demonstrators also set fire to effigies of top BPSC officials and obstructed vehicles to enforce the bandh, leading to long delays for commuters.
In response, the police cleared roadblocks at Dak Bunglow Crossing and detained several protesters, gradually restoring normalcy to the area. “Adequate security personnel have been deployed to maintain order and ensure smooth vehicle movement. The situation is now under control,” said Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh.
The protests stem from growing discontent over the BPSC Combined Competitive Examination held on December 13, 2024. Aspirants have raised allegations of irregularities in the exam, with demands for a re-test gaining momentum. Pappu Yadav organized the bandh in solidarity with these candidates, claiming support from Azad Samaj Party leader Chandra Shekhar Azad.
Meanwhile, political strategist and Jan Suraaj party founder Prashant Kishor, who is also campaigning for the cancellation of the BPSC exam, continues his ‘fast unto death’ protest. After being hospitalized on January 11 due to health complications, Kishor resumed his fast after being discharged.
The unrest comes as the Bihar government denies claims of irregularities in the exam, although a re-test was conducted for over 12,000 candidates at a specific Patna center. The situation remains tense, with further protests expected.
