The recent lathi-charge on students protesting alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, including Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The protestors have been demanding the cancellation of the examination due to claims of a paper leak.
Violent Dispersal of Protesters
On Sunday night, the Bihar police used lathis and water cannons to disperse protestors gathered at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Students were joined by Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, who accused the state government of turning democracy into “lathi-tantra” by suppressing peaceful demonstrations.
In response, the Patna Administration stated that the gathering was unauthorized and disrupted public order. An FIR has been filed against 600-700 individuals, including Prashant Kishor, for allegedly instigating the protest and violating administrative guidelines.
Political Reactions
Delhi’s former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal denounced the police action, calling it an “attack on democracy.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he remarked, “Lathicharge on peacefully protesting students is a direct attack against democracy. Students are the future of the country; listen to their voice instead of suppressing it.”
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticized the treatment of students, describing it as inhumane. She stated, “Water cannons and lathi-charges on youth in this harsh cold are inhumane. BJP’s double-engine government has become a symbol of double atrocities on the youth.”
Growing Outrage
The incident has intensified scrutiny of the BJP-JD(U) coalition in Bihar, with students and opposition leaders united in calling for accountability. Protestors have reiterated their demand for a re-examination of the BPSC 70th prelims, while the government defends its actions as necessary for maintaining public order.
This incident underscores growing tensions between youth and the administration, highlighting the need for transparent handling of examinations and grievances to restore trust.
