NEW DELHI: The ongoing protests over the controversial 70thBihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam took a grim turn on Wednesday when educator Guru Rahman, participating in the protests alongside aspiring candidates, attempted self-harm in an act of solidarity with the students.
Rahman, visibly distressed, slashed his wrist and penned a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, and governor Arif Mohammad Khan, reiterating the demand for a re-examination of the 70thBPSC exam.
The exam has been embroiled in controversy due to allegations of a paper leak. Despite these claims, the BPSC has not cancelled the exam, with chairman Ravi Parmar asserting that no irregularities had been found in the examination process.
“I request Nitish Kumar to take action against Chairman Ravi Parmar,” Rahman said in his letter. He added that he had previously written to oppose the removal of Article 370 and was now advocating for the students’ cause. The situation surrounding the 70th BPSC exam is currently under review in the high court, with a hearing scheduled for January 31. Rahman has urged both the government and the BPSC to withhold the exam results until the matter is fully resolved.
The protests have gained significant attention, with prominent political figures joining the movement. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with protesting students during a visit to Patna, highlighting that Bihar had become a focal point for the paper leak controversy. “Bihar has become the centre of the ‘paper leak’,” Gandhi said, lending his support to the students’ demands for justice.
In addition, Jan Suraj Party Chief Prashant Kishor has launched a statewide bike rally to raise awareness about the issue. The rally, which aims to cover 20,000 kilometers across the state, is being led by former IPS officer Anand Mishra, the party’s Youth President. Kishor highlighted the purpose of the rally as a means to amplify the voices of Bihar’s youth and protest against what he called the “injustice” they are facing. “At least 100 bikers along with party members will lead the rally for the next two-three months,” Kishor stated.
