Patna (Bihar) [India], July 28 (ANI): Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on the Samrat Choudhary-led government over student arrests in connection with NEET-UG paper leak protests, alleging that the ruling government is attempting to turn Bihar into a “police-ruled state.”
Addressing a press conference on Monday, RJD National Working President declared that if Samrat Choudhary does not withdraw cases against protesting students, the party will launch a massive state-wide agitation for their release from jail.
“The current NDA government and Samrat Choudhary are attempting to turn Bihar into a state ruled by police-backed goons. The Central Government was forced to yield to students regarding the NEET paper leak issue. Yet, even after a resolution was reached, hundreds of students in Bihar were arrested on Samrat Choudhary’s orders. Not only were they subjected to lathi-charge, but for the first time in the country’s history, AK-47s were fired during a protest. These shots were not fired into the air, but the chests of innocent people, who were merely protesting on the streets for justice and their rights, were riddled with bullets… We will not tolerate a situation in Bihar where criminals are shielded while students face bullets and imprisonment. Yesterday, I stated clearly that if Samrat Choudhary does not withdraw the cases against the students and release them from jail by this evening or night, we will launch a massive agitation… When our government was in power, there were no paper leaks, and 5 lakh jobs were provided…” said Yadav.
Additionally, Tejashwi Yadav criticised the governance of the BJP-led Bihar government, alleging that Samrat Choudhary has not done any work for the state, surrounds himself with a security cordon, and acquires palatial homes in the state.
“It has been 100 days since Samrat Choudhary took office. What work has he done? Name just one achievement. He has done nothing but surround himself with a security cordon and acquire palatial homes. His wife is campaigning in Munger without holding any official post or protocol. The convoy accompanying his wife in Munger was larger than those of chief ministers from many states, with the DM and SP escorting her…” added Yadav.
The remarks came after Bihar’s Siwan witnessed clashes between student protesters and police personnel during protests on Saturday over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy. Police used tear gas shells and lathicharge to disperse the protesters following reports of stone-pelting. An AK-47 firing incident was also reported during the unrest.
Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha told ANI on Monday that action had been taken against police personnel who were seen firing an AK-47 during the student protest.
Following the incident, Yadav met injured protesters from Siwan at Medanta Hospital and demanded action against the police personnel allegedly involved in the firing.
“The student injured by police gunfire meets with fellow protesters to inquire about their well-being. In a democracy, peaceful protest is an essential right that allows citizens to express their dissent and ideas, holding unchecked power accountable. The Bihar government must take immediate action against the police personnel who fired upon the students,” said Yadav. (ANI)
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