RJD's Tejashwi Yadav backed student protests in Patna against paper leaks and for jobs, vowing support for an August 25 protest. He slammed the government for failing students and ruining the education system, as protests continued for a 19th day.
Tejashwi Yadav Backs Student Protests Over Paper Leaks, Jobs
RJD MLA and Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, on Saturday extended support to the ongoing student protests in the state, saying there was "immense anger and outrage" among students over issues related to examination paper leaks and employment.
Members of the Bihar PhD Scholars Association and the Congress' student wing, the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), held the Bihar Lok March protest in Patna on Saturday, starting from Veer Kunwar Singh Park near R Block. Yadav said his party would support the protest scheduled for August 25 and called for an end to paper leaks, timely conduct of examinations, greater employment opportunities and a transparent examination process free from irregularities. "There is immense anger and outrage among the students; they are not getting justice. We have consistently raised their issues and will continue to do so. Our party will also extend its support to the protest scheduled for the 25th. We all want the same thing: an end to paper leaks in Bihar, timely exams, jobs for the people, and a transparent examination process free from irregularities," Yadav said.
Yadav Criticises Government, Alleges System Ruined by RSS-BJP
He said students' demands were legitimate and should be fulfilled by the government as part of its duty and responsibility. Yadav also criticised the government for allegedly failing to engage with protesting students, saying dialogue could help find a solution. He further claimed that the RSS and BJP had ruined Bihar's education system. "The RSS and BJP have completely ruined the education system... There is no revenue, no income, and expenditure is high; the government is running on borrowed funds," he added.
Students March in Patna Amid Heavy Police Presence
The students' march comes amid an ongoing student agitation in the state for 19 days, with protesters seeking the government's attention to their several demands, including withdrawal of the proposed new recruitment rules for assistant professors. Heavy police forces were deployed at R Block Golamber as students and protesters gathered for the march. The protesters raised slogans including "long live student unity" and "down with (CM) Samrat Choudhary" as they gathered at the protest site.
Educationist Calls for Unity, Better Pay for Teachers
Gyan Bindu Director Roshan Anand met the BPSC TRE-4 students protesting at Gardanibagh. He appealed to them to remain united and fight collectively for their demands. He also appealed to the protesters to remain peaceful, organised, and united while continuing their agitation for their demands.
Anand further demanded that the government to pay teachers well, citing that they are the ones responsible for the better future of the students. He also asked the government to examine the irregularities related to the 70th BPSC exams.
Congress Accuses Government of 'Double Standards'
Congress leader Sushil Kumar accused the state government of having "double standards". "On one side, they say that they care about the future of the students, but on the other side, people are protesting for 19 days, and they are not even worried," Kumar said.
Kumar further said the protesters were prepared to continue their agitation for an extended period if their concerns were not addressed. "Seeing the strength and determination of you people, I can say that, if we have to fight for two months, we will," he said.
Earlier, police officials said a delegation of five people, including student leader Kumud Patel, who has been protesting for 17 days, had left the protest site to meet government authorities and discuss the protesters' demands. (ANI)
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