Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has strongly criticized the Bihar government for using water cannons and lathi charges against protesting Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants demanding a re-examination of the 70th BPSC preliminary exams. The protesters, who have been voicing concerns over alleged paper leaks and corruption, faced police brutality despite the harsh cold.

In her statement on X (formerly Twitter), Priyanka called the police action inhumane, stressing that the government’s responsibility should be to stop corruption and ensure transparency in examinations, not to suppress the voices of students. She also slammed the BJP-led government for stifling protests instead of addressing the core issues of corruption and rigging.

Echoing her sentiments, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka’s brother, had earlier compared the situation to the story of Eklavya’s thumb, symbolizing how the youth’s future is being cut off due to paper leaks.

This incident has sparked widespread condemnation not only from the Congress but also from other opposition parties within the INDIA alliance, including RJD and AAP. Former Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav expressed his shock and pain over the police’s treatment of the aspirants, describing the visuals of the attack as disturbing and painful.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh criticized the Bihar government for its dictatorial behavior, stating that such actions are contradictory to the ideals of democracy and student movements. He urged Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to engage in dialogue with the students rather than resorting to force.

In addition, Prashant Kishor, leader of Jan Suraaj Party, joined the protest, demanding an end to corruption in the Bihar examination process. However, Kishor faced an FIR for unauthorized assembly and alleged incitement.

The protesters, who have been striking for over a week, are calling for the cancellation of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), citing suspicions of a question paper leak.