‘Hathi Chale Bazaar, Kutta Bhaunke Hazaar’: BPSC Official Under Fire Over Paper Leak Claims

Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh has sparked a fresh row after using a Hindi proverb to dismiss allegations of exam irregularities. Responding to claims of a paper leak during a media interaction, Singh used the phrase, "Hathi chale bazaar, kutta bhaunke hazaar" (An elephant walks through the market while a thousand dogs bark). Singh asked reporters to ignore the reference but the clip was soon aired by news outlets and widely circulated on social media.

Protesting students immediately reacted with fresh sloganeering. They chanted "Shiksha Mantri chor hai" (The Education Minister is a thief) and raised slogans against Singh, the publication reported.

The controversy comes amid ongoing student protests at Patna's Gardanibagh. Aspirants are demanding the cancellation of the 70th BPSC examination over paper leak allegations. They also oppose the proposed two-phase process for the Teacher Recruitment Examination – Fourth Phase (TRE-4) and demand the release of its advertisement.

Opposition Demands Official Apology

Political backlash followed swiftly. During the media interaction, Singh dismissed concerns from Hindi-medium candidates. "I want to ask all those who have problems — why do you not move the court?" he asked.

RJD working president and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav visited Gardani Bagh and demanded an apology from Singh. He urged the Samrat Choudhary government to take strict action. Yadav’s estranged elder sister, Rohini Acharya, shared the video on X, describing the remarks as "derogatory" and "undignified".

Protesters expressed outrage over the comments. "The BPSC official’s remarks are proof that in the eyes of the authorities, our worth is not more than that of stray dogs," the students said.

Following the uproar, Singh issued a video clarification. "I had merely uttered a proverb, but my words were twisted out of context. Nonetheless, if I have offended anybody, even unwittingly, I express regrets," he said.

Government Expands Teacher Recruitment

Vacancies will now increase. Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari announced an expansion in BPSC TRE 4.0 vacancies, with specific details to be released on Monday, August 24.

More vacancies are coming. "We have already announced 32,388 seats for our candidates, and we will increase this count tomorrow. We will add more seats to TRE-4," Tiwari said, as reported by PTI and India Today.

The state government sent the TRE-4 requisition to the commission to set the schedule. The Education Department does not participate in scheduling because the commission follows its own pattern. "The BPSC will announce the exam dates at any time," Tiwari added.

Tiwari also accused coaching centres and specific groups of trying to block the examinations. These entities want to disrupt the recruitment process to mislead and provoke candidates, he added.

The BPSC TRE 4.0 notification was released in August. TRE-4 registration begins on September 1, 2026 and ends on September 30, 2026 on bpsc.bih.nic.in, with the fee payment deadline set for September 29, 2026. Recruited teachers will receive starting salaries ranging from Rs 25,000 for primary roles to Rs 32,000 for higher secondary positions per month plus state allowances.

STET 2026 aspirants are eligible to apply if they qualify before the final evaluation. The Bihar government plans to recruit one lakh school teachers over the next five years, hiring approximately 20,000 teachers annually between 2026 and 2030. This step will be taken to address the shortfall in primary-to-higher-secondary schools.