'Dog-barking' remark on students: Tejashwi says BPSC official 'mirrors CM's language'
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ABHISHEK MISHRA
A controversy has erupted in Bihar after a BPSC official used a derogatory proverb to describe protesting job aspirants. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has condemned the remarks, linking them to the Chief Minister's rhetoric while demanding systemic reforms in recruitment.
The BPSC Controversy: Administrative Tone and Political Backlash
A significant controversy has emerged within the Bihar administrative landscape following remarks made by a Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) official regarding protesting job aspirants. During a period of heightened tension over examination formats, BPSC examination controller Rajesh Kumar Singh addressed questions concerning student protests by quoting the Hindi proverb, "Hathi chale bazaar, kutta bhaunke hazar." This idiom, which translates to "an elephant walks while a thousand dogs bark," is typically used to suggest that those in positions of authority should ignore criticism. However, in the context of students voicing legitimate concerns over competitive exam structures, the remark was widely perceived as dismissive and derogatory.
The Impact of Rhetoric on Governance
The incident has transcended the administrative sphere, drawing sharp condemnation from opposition leaders. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has been at the forefront of the criticism, explicitly linking the BPSC official's language to that of the Chief Minister. By suggesting that the official "mirrors the CM’s language," Yadav has successfully framed the event not just as an isolated instance of bureaucratic insensitivity, but as a symptom of a broader political culture that allegedly views public dissent with contempt rather than engagement.
Core Demands of the Protesting Aspirants
Beyond the inflammatory rhetoric, the protests are rooted in substantive concerns regarding the integrity and management of state recruitment processes. The BPSC’s recent decision to maintain negative marking and move toward a mandatory two-stage examination process has exacerbated anxieties among students. These aspirants are calling for a fundamental shift in how the state handles competitive recruitment, emphasizing the need for a high-level, independent investigation into alleged irregularities that have historically plagued exam cycles.
Systemic Transparency and Accountability
Tejashwi Yadav’s response highlights several critical demands that resonate with the broader student population in Bihar. These include a push for complete transparency in examinations conducted by the BPSC, BSSC, and police recruitment boards. Furthermore, there is an urgent call for strict punitive action against "recruitment mafias"—entities often accused of facilitating malpractice—and the establishment of time-bound schedules for pending examinations such as the CGL, ASO, and Librarian recruitment tests. The current impasse reflects a growing demand for a predictable and meritocratic system.
Future Implications for Bihar's Recruitment Landscape
The fallout from this controversy suggests that the relationship between the Bihar government and its job-seeking youth is increasingly fragile. As the state faces pressure to modernize its recruitment pipeline, the reliance on traditional, sometimes exclusionary administrative rhetoric is proving to be a political liability. Moving forward, the government will likely face continued pressure to balance institutional rigidity with the need for transparent, fair, and respectful engagement with the student body. The resolution of these demands will be a key indicator of the state's commitment to youth employment and administrative reform.