The Bihar Police’s lathi-charge on protesting BPSC aspirants in Patna has ignited a political storm, with several prominent leaders condemning the forceful measures. Students protesting against the exam’s normalization process were met with police resistance, leading to clashes that resulted in injuries and outrage.
Among the critics was Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, who termed the police action as “unjustified and inappropriate.” Addressing the media, he remarked, “Students are the future of this nation. Their voices should be heard, not suppressed with lathis.” His comments reflect growing concerns over the state’s handling of student protests.
Statements from Political Leaders:
- Lalu Prasad Yadav (RJD): “The government must address the concerns of these students instead of resorting to violence.”
- Tejashwi Yadav (RJD): “This government has failed to respect the aspirations of the youth. We stand with the students.”
- BJP Spokesperson: “The government must ensure that such incidents are not repeated and focus on resolving issues peacefully.”
Opposition Demands:
The opposition parties have demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident, urging the government to take immediate action against those responsible. Political analysts suggest that the lathi-charge has provided opposition parties with fresh ammunition to question the ruling government’s approach toward youth and education reforms.
Government’s Stance:
While the ruling coalition has defended the police’s actions as necessary to maintain public order, they have also stated that a review of the normalization process is underway. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has appealed for calm, assuring students that their grievances will be addressed.
Broader Implications:
The incident has not only intensified the political debate but also raised questions about the state’s approach to handling protests. With Bihar being a hub of competitive exam aspirants, mishandling such situations risks alienating a significant portion of the state’s youth.
