Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday criticised the BJP-led Bihar government over the ongoing student protests in Patna, accusing the administration of using police action to avoid answering questions raised by aspirants. His remarks came amid demonstrations over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and after a video involving a six-year-old boy at a student protest circulated widely on social media.

Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, questioned why allegations of paper leaks had not resulted in action and how long students would have to face uncertainty over their careers. He argued that the controversy surrounding Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examinations had continued for a long time, with students raising concerns over the recruitment process, examination pattern, delays and transparency.

The Congress leader also criticised the use of batons, water cannons and detentions during protests. Referring to an earlier incident in Siwan, he alleged that protesters had even faced firing. Gandhi accused the BJP government of turning the police into a means of avoiding accountability and maintained that students would continue to demand answers and action over issues affecting their future.

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The remarks followed violent clashes between thousands of students and Bihar Police in Patna on Tuesday. Protesters threw stones and faced water cannons and lathi-charge after being stopped from marching towards the chief minister's residence. Most of those taking part were aspirants preparing for Teachers' Recruitment Examinations to be conducted by the BPSC next month.

The protesters are demanding that the written recruitment examinations be conducted in a single stage rather than through preliminary and main examinations. Another section has sought cancellation of BPSC Combined Competitive Examinations conducted earlier this year, alleging irregularities. Left-wing student groups, including members associated with SFI and DYFI, also participated in the demonstration.

The controversy also intensified after a video showed a six-year-old boy making remarks at the student protest before being taken to a police station. Reports circulated that the child had been arrested, but police rejected the claim, stating that he was taken into protective custody for his safety and later handed over to his mother. Rahul Gandhi used the broader episode to question the government's handling of student grievances and demand greater accountability.

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