Road traffic across Bihar was severely disrupted and several vehicles were damaged on Sunday as supporters of independent MP Pappu Yadav enforced a statewide bandh protesting alleged irregularities in the recently held Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination.

Yadav, who represents Purnea in the Lok Sabha, took the lead in Patna, moving through the streets in an open vehicle draped in a shroud. He symbolically declared that the protest signified ‘death’ for those involved in the alleged malpractices during the 70th Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) held by BPSC on December 13.

Yadav, addressing the crowd, said, “It will be ‘Ram Nam Satya Hai’ for those responsible, whether BPSC officials or corrupt coaching centre owners,” referencing the funeral chant traditionally used during Hindu rituals.

The bandh led by Yadav saw supporters vandalizing government vehicles, forcing shop closures, and disrupting public life in Patna as well as in districts like Purnea, Katihar, Araria, and Siwan.

Patna’s District Magistrate, Chandrashekhar Singh, confirmed that 15 protestors had been detained for their involvement in vandalizing a government vehicle and obstructing traffic. “A case has been registered against Yadav and his supporters. We are also working to identify other perpetrators of the vandalism,” Singh said, adding that security forces have been deployed to maintain order.

Earlier, Yadav’s supporters gathered near Patna Science College, blocking roads and trying to enforce the bandh. Effigies of BPSC officials were burned on Ashok Rajpath, and protestors attempted to stop vehicles, demanding the cancellation of the December 13 exam.

The protest also saw support from Azad Samaj Party leader Chandra Shekhar Azad, as well as Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, who is on a fast unto death, demanding the exam’s cancellation. Kishor, who had been hospitalized due to health concerns, continues his hunger strike after being discharged on Saturday.

The protests have escalated tensions in Bihar over the controversial BPSC exam, despite the government’s dismissal of the allegations. In response, a re-test was organized for over 12,000 candidates at a center in Patna.

Source: PTI

Also read: Bihar introduces e-service books, online transfers, in tech-driven education reforms