BPSC Exam Controversy: Prashant Kishor demands action amid protests over BPSC question paper leak

Prashant Kishor

Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor issued a three-day ultimatum to the Bihar government, urging it to address the grievances of civil service aspirants protesting alleged irregularities in the recent Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination. The protests have intensified following claims of a question paper leak, leading to widespread demonstrations across the state.

On Wednesday, chaos erupted outside the BPSC office in Patna as aspirants demanding the cancellation of the December 13 exam clashed with police. Law enforcement resorted to baton charges to disperse the crowd, drawing sharp criticism from multiple quarters. Protesters alleged irregularities in the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), with demands for re-examination gaining momentum.

Prashant Kishor, leader of the Jan Suraaj party, visited Gardani Bagh, a designated protest site, to support the demonstrators. Kishor emphasized that the state government must engage with the protesting students and take their demands seriously. "I am giving the government three days to resolve this issue. If the administration fails to act, I will join the protest march on Monday and stand at the forefront. If police resort to baton charges again, I will be the first to face them," he declared.

Kishor also condemned the police action, calling it "highly unacceptable." He extended his support to the students, stating, "The government must take accountability and engage with students immediately."

While Kishor’s involvement garnered attention, popular Patna-based vlogger Motiur Rahman Khan, known as Guru Rahman, criticized his motives. Accusing Kishor of trying to gain political mileage from the protests, Rahman said, "We will not allow any opposition leaders to exploit this movement. Students demand the cancellation of the exam, and unless someone from the ruling government addresses this, no political leader will be welcomed here."

The protests took a tragic turn with the reported suicide of a 25-year-old civil service aspirant, Sonu, in Patna earlier this week. Sonu’s family revealed he had been under immense stress due to the competitive exam pressures. Kishor called for the state government to announce a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the grieving family, calling the incident "deeply unfortunate."

Prominent leaders, including RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and Congress, denounced the police action against the aspirants. Purnea MP Pappu Yadav threatened a statewide bandh on January 1 if the December 13 examination is not canceled. “The government must prioritize the concerns of job seekers instead of resorting to violence,” he asserted.

Amid the unrest, a Delhi-based tutor, identified as Rohit, was arrested on charges of inciting aspirants to storm the BPSC office. Patna District Magistrate Chandrasekhar Singh confirmed that investigations pointed to Rohit’s role in mobilizing protesters. Senior Superintendent of Police Rajeev Mishra revealed suspicions of a larger conspiracy, including external funding, and announced plans to involve the Economic Offences Unit for further investigation.