The capital city of Patna witnessed dramatic scenes on Monday when thousands of candidates demanding STET, BTET, and librarian recruitment exams clashed with police forces. The protest, which began inside the Patna College campus, quickly turned into a major demonstration as candidates attempted to march towards the CM House. The agitation highlighted the growing frustration among aspirants waiting for examinations and recruitment processes that have been delayed for months.

Protest March Towards CM House

The protest began with candidates gathering in large numbers at Patna College. Their plan was to march from the campus to the CM House, pressing their demand for timely examinations. The route chosen for the demonstration passed through Bhikhna Pahadi, Khetan Market, and JP Golambar before heading towards the busy Dak Bungalow Chowk.

The Dak Bungalow area soon became the epicenter of confrontation as police had already barricaded the road to stop the protesters from moving further. The administration deployed heavy security, including water cannons, to manage the situation and prevent the crowd from reaching the CM House.

Police Intervention and Lathicharge

As the protesters tried to break through the barricades and raised slogans against the government, tension escalated. Many candidates climbed onto the barricades, shouting demands for immediate notification of exams. Despite repeated warnings, the crowd continued to push forward, forcing the police to take strict action.

Lathicharge was used to disperse the gathering, and protesters were chased away from the spot. The sudden use of force created chaos in the area as students ran for cover, some sustaining injuries during the stampede-like situation.

Leaders Taken for Talks

Before the lathicharge, a small delegation of candidates was taken to the CM House for discussions. Among them was student leader Khushboo Pathak along with four others, who were escorted by officials. The administration attempted to pacify the protesters by holding talks with the delegation, but the large group outside remained adamant about marching towards the CM House.

During the demonstration, Magistrate MH Khan arrived at the spot to handle the situation. In an emotional scene, one candidate reportedly held his feet and pleaded, saying, “Please take me to the Chief Minister, sir.” This moment captured the desperation and anxiety of aspirants who have been waiting for clarity on recruitment exams.

Background of the Agitation

The protests stemmed from repeated delays in conducting the STET (State Teacher Eligibility Test), BTET (Bihar Teacher Eligibility Test), and librarian recruitment examinations. Thousands of candidates across Bihar have been waiting for exam notifications, and the uncertainty has created widespread dissatisfaction.

Many aspirants argue that while vacancies exist in the education department, the recruitment process is being unnecessarily delayed. This, they claim, has jeopardized their careers and created financial insecurity among families dependent on these government job opportunities.

Public Reaction and Political Angle

The incident at Dak Bungalow Chowk has sparked widespread debate across Bihar. Videos of police action and students being lathicharged circulated rapidly on social media, drawing criticism from several quarters. Many citizens sympathized with the candidates, saying that peaceful protest for jobs is a democratic right.

Opposition parties have also picked up the issue, questioning the government’s handling of the situation and demanding immediate action on pending examinations. The lathicharge has given the opposition a fresh point to attack the ruling administration, especially at a time when unemployment remains a sensitive issue in the state.

The Administration’s Stand

Authorities defended the action, stating that the protesters were trying to break law and order by forcing their way towards a high-security zone. Officials maintained that talks were already being held with candidate representatives and that the crowd should have dispersed peacefully. The police emphasized that the lathicharge was a last resort after repeated attempts to stop the students from crossing the barricades.

Growing Demand for Recruitment Exams

The agitation in Patna reflects a larger trend seen across several states where unemployed youth are demanding timely recruitment exams. In Bihar, the delay in STET, BTET, and librarian exams has particularly affected thousands of graduates and postgraduates preparing for teaching and librarian posts.

The candidates argue that while government job announcements are made, the actual examinations and results take years, leaving them in limbo. Many also pointed out that age restrictions in government jobs make such delays even more harmful to their career prospects.

What Lies Ahead

The protest may have been dispersed for now, but the demands of the candidates remain unanswered. With elections approaching and unemployment continuing as a major concern, the state government will have to address the grievances of these aspirants.

If the authorities fail to provide a clear timeline for the examinations, more such demonstrations are expected in Patna and other districts. Student organizations are also planning to intensify their movement if their demands are not met.

The lathicharge in Patna over the demand for STET, BTET, and librarian recruitment exams highlights the growing unrest among Bihar’s unemployed youth. While the administration tried to control the protest through force and dialogue, the larger issue of delayed examinations remains unresolved. For the thousands of candidates whose future depends on these exams, the wait continues, and their frustration is only growing stronger.