Bhim Army protest over Bihar job exam irregularities turns confrontational

Members of the Bhim Army staged a march from Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Wednesday to press a series of demands relating to employment and social equity in Bihar. The demonstration centered on calls for a judicial inquiry into the conduct of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination, citing alleged irregularities in the competitive test.

The protest also sought to mobilize support for implementing an 85 percent reservation policy for candidates domiciled within Bihar in state government recruitment processes. Activists argued that such measures were necessary to ensure fair employment opportunities for the state's residents.

Tensions escalated between the protesters and law enforcement personnel during the march, resulting in a confrontation that underscored growing frustration over concerns regarding examination administration and job reservation policies. The precise circumstances that triggered the clash between activists and police remain unclear.

The incident reflects ongoing discontent in Bihar over transparency in civil service recruitment and the implementation of reservation policies. The Bhim Army, a social activist organization, has previously mobilized support on issues related to social justice and employment rights in the state.