New Delhi: Political tensions in Bihar escalated when Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) workers, led by Tejashwi Yadav, organised a protest march in the capital, Patna, against the NEET paper leak. During the march, Patna Police detained RJD leader and former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav. Following this, RJD workers surrounded the bus Tejashwi Yadav was in.
Furthermore, workers were seen climbing onto the roof of the bus and shouting slogans against the government. The RJD had called for a march to the Raj Bhavan, prompting the Bihar Police to make elaborate security arrangements; police personnel were deployed at every nook and corner. As the march advanced towards the Raj Bhavan, the police detained Tejashwi Yadav.
Workers Stopped Using Water Cannons and Barricades
The Bihar Police had initiated security measures immediately after the announcement of the RJD’s plan to lay siege to the Raj Bhavan. Barricades were set up at various points along the route to the Raj Bhavan to halt the RJD protesters. At some locations, RJD workers managed to break through the barricades. The police used tear gas shells and water cannons to stop the protesters advancing under Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership, yet the workers refused to back down. At one point, the situation became so tense that the police were visibly rattled.
RJD Targets the Government
Rashtriya Janata Dal Rajya Sabha MP Manoj made a significant statement targeting the state government. He emphasised the importance of understanding the sentiments of ‘Gen Z’. He alleged that the government used AK-47 rifles against protesting students in Bihar, while in Delhi, pellet guns and nail-studded batons were used against those demanding an honest and transparent examination system.
He added that the march was organised to bring these issues to the attention of the Governor of Bihar. RJD MLA Bhai Virendra stated that the protesters would submit a memorandum to the Governor at the Raj Bhavan.
What Did the BJP Say?
Reacting to the RJD’s march, BJP State President Sanjay Sarawagi targeted RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. He claimed that this march was organised to save Tejashwi Yadav’s career. Sarawagi alleged, “He has failed as a student, a cricketer, and a politician.
Now, he is trying to play politics over an issue that the Bihar government has already resolved.” Meanwhile, according to police sources, a delegation of protesters will be allowed to meet the Governor of Bihar. This was the RJD’s first major protest against the NEET exam leak. Tejashwi Yadav himself was leading the protest.
