A protest led by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav in Patna on Wednesday turned tense after police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators marching towards Lok Bhavan.
The march brought together RJD leaders and supporters who were protesting over alleged examination paper leaks, unemployment and issues affecting students and young job aspirants. Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, was detained by police during the demonstration.
Protest Focuses on Students and Job Aspirants
The RJD’s demonstration was organised around several concerns involving Bihar’s youth. The party has been demanding greater accountability over alleged paper leaks and questioning the government’s handling of the examination system.
The protest also highlighted unemployment and the difficulties faced by students preparing for competitive examinations.
Tejashwi had announced the march earlier after alleging that repeated examination-related controversies and a recent incident involving police action during a student protest in Siwan reflected serious problems with the state’s administration.
Police Deploy Water Cannons
As the protesters moved towards Lok Bhavan, police barricades were put in place. When demonstrators attempted to move beyond the security arrangements, authorities used water cannons to disperse the crowd.
Reports said Tejashwi Yadav and RJD MP Misa Bharti were among those detained during the protest. The action led to a further escalation between the protesters and police.
Siwan Firing Incident Adds to Tensions
A major issue behind the protest was the alleged use of an AK-47 rifle by a police personnel during a student demonstration in Siwan last month.
The incident has become a political flashpoint, with opposition leaders demanding a detailed explanation and stronger action. Reports indicate that the constable seen with the rifle was suspended, while police said there were no injuries from the reported aerial firing.
The RJD has argued that suspending one police personnel does not adequately address the larger questions surrounding the incident.
Tejashwi Demands Answers From Government
Tejashwi Yadav has continued to target the Bihar government over what he describes as failures in the examination system and law-and-order administration.
The RJD has sought action on paper leaks, better protection for students during protests and measures to address unemployment among young people. The party had planned to submit a memorandum to the Governor highlighting these concerns.
Political Dispute Intensifies
The Patna march has added another confrontation between the Bihar opposition and the government. What began as a protest over examination and employment concerns escalated after police intervention and the detention of opposition leaders.
For students and job aspirants, the larger questions remain focused on the credibility of competitive examinations, protection of peaceful protesters and access to employment opportunities. The latest protest is likely to keep these issues at the centre of Bihar’s political debate.
