Priyanka Gandhi Critiques BJP's Double Engine Government Over Youth Protest in Bihar
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New Delhi, Dec 30 (NationPress) Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday condemned the BJP-led double-engine government in Bihar for reportedly torturing students who protested against the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) in Patna.
On Sunday, the protests escalated into chaos as the Patna Police deployed lathi charges and water cannons to disperse thousands of candidates demonstrating against alleged irregularities in the 70th BPSC Combined Preliminary Examination conducted on December 13.
Taking to X, Priyanka Gandhi stated, "Students were tortured for the second time in three days in Bihar. It is the government's responsibility to halt corruption, rigging, and paper leaks in examinations. Instead of addressing these issues, students are being silenced for speaking out."
"Using water cannons and lathi charges on youth in such severe cold is inhumane. The BJP's double engine has turned into a symbol of double atrocities against the youth," she added.
The protesters, who are demanding the cancellation of the examination due to allegations of widespread irregularities, staged a sit-in near Gandhi Maidan, refusing to clear the road despite police interventions.
As the protest grew more intense, the police first employed water cannons to disperse the crowd. When this method proved ineffective, a lathi charge was executed, resulting in injuries to several demonstrators.
Students claimed that tear gas and excessive force were used against them and reported being forcibly removed from the streets. Female candidates also mentioned being mishandled during the conflict.
In response to these protests, the Bihar Public Service Commission announced a re-examination of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination (CCE) for around 12,000 candidates. The re-exam, set for January 4, 2024, will specifically address those who took the test at the Bapu Campus Exam Centre in Patna on December 13.
The situation has sparked widespread criticism, with students and opposition leaders denouncing the police's actions and demanding accountability from the government.
