The uproar over the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission's (UPPSC) decision shows no signs of dying down, as students staged an intense overnight protest.
The aspirants, steadfast in their demands, have coined a slogan, "Na Batenge Na Hatenge" (We won't split, we won't leave), which has become the rallying cry of the movement.
Thousands of leaflets bearing this slogan were distributed among the protesters, reflecting their determination.
Former Inspector General Amitabh Thakur, who had arrived at Prayag station via Prayagraj Intercity to support the protesting students, was taken into custody by the police and brought to Katra outpost.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP government for its handling of the protest.
He tweeted, "The BJP's agenda is only 'elections,' while candidates are left with nothing but 'stress' under BJP rule.
The youth say, no more BJP! When BJP leaves, jobs will come."
Former UP Chief Minister Mayawati also voiced her support for the students on social media, criticizing the police action against protesters and UPPSC's failure to organize the PCS and RO-ARO preliminary exams for 2024 on the same day.
She noted that it is natural for the news of students' anger and police action to draw widespread attention.
The protesting students, through their slogan, are demanding that UPPSC hold the exams over two days and rescind the normalization process.
They have vowed not to leave the protest site until an official notice is issued meeting these demands. Many students held placards voicing their dissatisfaction with UPPSC's decision.
Throughout the night, students maintained a peaceful protest.
Notably, no banners from student organizations or political parties were visible-only the Indian tricolor was seen.
Demonstrators also waved pictures of freedom fighters like Chandra Shekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, and Mahatma Gandhi, symbolizing their commitment to a peaceful protest.
Late at night, Police Commissioner Tarun Gaba and District Magistrate Ravindra Mandar visited the protest site to try to mediate with the demonstrators. However, the talks did not succeed, as students remained firm in their demands.
Despite the authorities' assurances, the students showed no inclination to back down.
The protest underscores the growing discontent among young aspirants in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting a disconnect between the government and the youth over employment concerns and examination fairness.
