Pappu Yadav and Tejashwi step up protests over BPSC exam irregularities

Independent MP Pappu Yadav on Sunday began a hunger strike with student protesters in Patna over alleged irregularities in the 70th BPSC exams, including marking inconsistencies and question paper leaks. He called for the exam to be scrapped and re-conducted, accusing the Bihar government of ignoring grievances and using disproportionate weightage to English. Deccan Herald reports he also criticised Prime Minister Modi for labelling educated youth as 'intellectual Naxals'.

Separately, opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav announced a march to Raj Bhavan on August 19 over the 'complete collapse' of the exam system and recurring paper leaks. The Times of India quotes him saying no recruitment drive in Bihar has been fair, and pointing to a July 25 incident in Siwan where police fired AK-47s at student protesters. He demanded accountability and action against officials, alleging the government is protecting those responsible.

The protests highlight growing unrest among students and aspirants over exam integrity in Bihar. Both leaders are pressing for systemic reforms, with the next major demonstration scheduled for August 19 at the Raj Bhavan.