UPPSC Exam Protest Intensifies in Prayagraj, Political Leaders Join Students' Cause

The ongoing student protests against UPPSC's two-day exam schedule intensify, with leaders like Chandrashekhar Azad and Akhilesh Yadav condemning police action and urging the government to address demands for fair and transparent evaluations.

Anger continues to mount among students protesting against the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) decision to conduct the 'PCS Prelims 2024' and 'RO/ARO Prelims 2023' exams over two days. On the fourth day of demonstrations, hundreds of students clashed with police, breaking through barricades to stage a sit-in at the commission's gate, demanding a fair and uniform examination process.

The protestors argue that holding exams over two days, with a normalization system in place to account for variations across shifts, undermines the fairness of the evaluation process. Despite assurances from UPPSC, the lack of clarity on the normalization formula has fueled student outrage. Tensions escalated when police intervened, forcibly removing and detaining 11 demonstrators, including claims of mishandling female students. Eyewitnesses reported that some protestors were dragged away by officers in civilian clothing.

Political Reactions and Support

The student-led agitation has caught the attention of prominent political figures, who are now voicing their support. Chandrashekhar Azad, Nagina MP and leader of the Azad Samaj Party, issued a warning to the state government. “If the demands of the protesting students are not met, our party and the Bhim Army will join the protest and stage demonstrations at every district headquarters,” he declared, accusing authorities of trying to silence student voices through arrests.

Adding to the political pressure, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav took to social media to criticize the government. "The police have even taken away the crutches of a disabled girl protesting in Allahabad. This shows the ruthlessness and insensitivity of the BJP government. Such a regime has no right to remain in power," he wrote, drawing attention to reports of mistreatment and calling for accountability.

Push for Transparency and Dialogue

Dhananjay Singh, a well-known political figure, urged the Yogi Adityanath-led government to open a dialogue with the protesting students. He tweeted, “The state government should form a committee to seriously listen to the students’ concerns, consider their demands, and ensure transparency in the examination system. This will help maintain the credibility of the commission.”

Meanwhile, demonstrations are spreading beyond Prayagraj. In Lucknow, members of the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha staged a dramatic protest, burning an effigy of UPPSC Chairman Sanjay Srinet in Hazratganj. Police attempts to detain the protestors resulted in a chaotic scene, with activists climbing onto the bus roof to evade arrest.

UPPSC Remain on High Alert

The situation in Prayagraj remains tense, with heavy police presence around the UPPSC office. Authorities, including the District Magistrate and Commissioner, have visited the protest site and are in discussions with commission officials to manage the unrest. Students have accused the police of threats and physical violence, and the deployment of plainclothes officers has heightened concerns of intimidation. As the protests gain momentum, all eyes are on the state government and UPPSC to see how they respond to growing demands for transparency and a fair examination process.