‘Kutte bhonke hazaar’: BPSC official's remark sparks backlash amid student protests in Bihar

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination controller Rajesh Kumar Singh came under fire on Monday over his remarks on protests by job aspirants across the state, triggering a political row. TRE-4 candidates sitting on dharna in support of various demands at Gardanibagh in Patna, Bihar. (Santosh Kumar/HT Photo)Aspirants and opposition leaders criticised Singh and the BJP-led Bihar government after a video of his remarks went viral on social media. They accused him of "likening students to dogs". Rajesh Singh was responding to questions about the demands of protesting candidates, who have opposed the new two-stage format of the teachers' recruitment exams - prelims and mains. On the protests, Singh said, “I want to ask all those who have problems - why do you not move the court? As far as the Commission is concerned, I would like to quote the proverb - haathi chale bazaar, kutte bhonke hazaar.” Singh was also heard asking reporters to ignore his use of the proverb, news agency PTI reported. Roughly translated, it means that an elephant continues walking through a marketplace without being affected by a thousand barking dogs. However, the video was aired by news channels and widely shared on social media. Facing criticism, Singh later issued a brief video statement. “I had merely uttered a proverb, but my words were twisted out of context. Nonetheless, if I have offended anybody, even unwittingly, I express regret,” he said. Several aspirants targeted Singh over his remarks. They reportedly said, "The BPSC official's remarks are proof that in the eyes of the authorities, our worth is not more than that of stray dogs". RJD working president Tejashwi Yadav criticised Singh and demanded that he apologise. He also urged the Samrat Choudhary government to take strict action against the BPSC official. Yadav, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, was told about Singh's remarks when he arrived at Gardanibagh, where the protest was taking place in the city. His estranged elder sister Rohini Acharya also posted the video on her X handle, describing Singh's remarks as "derogatory" and "undignified". Research scholars and job aspirants have been holding protests in Patna's Gardanibagh over several concerns, including revised rules for the recruitment of assistant professors and alleged irregularities in the state civil services examination. On Tuesday, candidates seeking teaching jobs also joined the protest. Their demands include a single-tier examination for BPSC-TRE 4, action against people who secured jobs through corrupt means, greater transparency in BSSC recruitments, and steps against exam mafias. Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More