“Paper Leak, Scam”: Rahul Gandhi After Meeting Protesting BPSC Aspirants
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has expressed deep concern over the recent paper leak scandal surrounding the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examinations. Speaking about the issue after releasing a video on his interaction with the jobs aspirants, Mr Gandhi highlighted how such incidents undermine the aspirations of India’s youth, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
In a statement, Mr Gandhi described paper leaks as a tool to rob poor youth of their rights and stifle their dreams. He alleged that such scams are becoming increasingly common in BJP-ruled states. Moreover, he criticised the heavy-handed police response to peaceful protests, calling it “barbaric injustice.”
Mr Gandhi recently met with BPSC aspirants who were victims of police violence during their protests against the alleged exam scam. He had a detailed discussion with the students, during which they described the complexities of the paper leak and the irregularities plaguing the examination process in Bihar. Aspirants claimed that question papers are frequently leaked, often circulating on social media during the exams. They also pointed out systemic issues such as the use of scaling and normalisation methods, which they say unfairly impact their employment prospects, even for those who score well.
After a group of students were not provided question papers in a Patna exam centre, the protests took a violent turn when students demonstrating in a non-violent, Gandhian manner were subjected to a brutal police lathi charge. Many were hospitalised as a result, and cases were reportedly filed against the protesters. Despite allegations of rigging at 28 exam centres, the state government has refused to acknowledge the claims, according to Mr Gandhi.
Adding to the controversy, Rahul Gandhi shared a video of his interaction with the affected aspirants, in which they recounted their ordeal. The video revealed claims of massive corruption and systemic failures in the examination process, further fuelling public outrage.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court recently declined to entertain a petition challenging the 70th Combined Competitive Examination conducted by the BPSC, citing a lack of jurisdiction and directing the petitioner to approach the Patna High Court. On the other hand, the Bihar government has maintained that no evidence of a paper leak has been found. Senior state minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that while disturbances were reported at one examination centre, a re-examination had already been ordered for the affected candidates.
