RJD protests against police action and paper leaks in Bihar

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ alliance have organized a march to the Raj Bhavan in Patna to protest police conduct in Siwan and systemic failures in the state’s examination and employment sectors. The demonstration follows allegations that police used force, including lathi-charges and AK-47 rifles, against students protesting examination irregularities and paper leaks. Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD National Working President and Leader of Opposition in Bihar, has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident, specifically questioning who authorized the use of an AK-47 for crowd control. Yadav noted that three individuals were injured by gunfire and criticized the state government for failing to suspend high-ranking officials, such as the local Superintendent of Police. During the march toward Raj Bhavan, which included students, teachers, and RJD workers, Yadav sought to submit a memorandum to the Governor regarding the perceived collapse of the examination system. He raised concerns with Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar, questioning why only a single constable has been dismissed while other officials have not faced consequences. The RJD has characterized Bihar as becoming a “capital of exam paper leaks” and criticized the BJP-led government for failing to meet job creation promises and for issues regarding unpaid salaries for teachers and sanitation workers. RJD MP Manoj Jha further emphasized that the youth are increasingly frustrated by the pattern of leaks and the lack of employment solutions. Members of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have dismissed the demonstrations as political stunts. BJP state president Sanjay Sarawagi referred to the event as a ‘career बचाओ march’ (save career march), arguing that the opposition should focus on their duties in the Assembly and noting that the state government has already passed strict laws against paper leaks.