Insaaf Times Desk
On the occasion of Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary, a discussion titled “Bihar: Issues and the Way Forward” was held in the state capital, Patna. Addressing the event, CPI (ML) General Secretary Deepankar Bhattacharya launched a sharp attack on both the central and state governments, stating that today, people who raise their voice on public issues are being thrown behind bars.
The discussion, held at the IMA auditorium after a wreath-laying ceremony at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh statue in Gandhi Maidan, highlighted several instances of government action against dissent. Bhattacharya cited the example of Sonam Wangchuk, associated with the Ladakh movement, who was jailed under the NSA for demanding the Sixth Schedule and a separate state. He also pointed out that students protesting paper leaks in Uttarakhand and contractual or dismissed employees in Bihar demanding permanent jobs were met with brutal crackdowns.
Bhattacharya said that while Dr. B.R. Ambedkar encouraged organized resistance, today every attempt to organize is being crushed—a sign of fascism. He also expressed concern over political prisoner Umar Khalid still being behind bars.
Bhattacharya alleged that BJP leaders are pursuing a majoritarian agenda by labeling the Bengali language as ‘Bangladeshi’ and branding the entire Muslim community as ‘Rohingya-Bangladeshi.’ He further criticized the removal of 80,000 voters’ names from the electoral rolls in Dhaka assembly constituency, East Champaran, calling it a direct attack on the right to vote.
He emphasized that Dalit issues cannot be restricted to reservations alone. Land reforms are essential for meaningful social justice. Citing the theft of 78 police recruitment posts, he condemned the lathi-charge on Dalit youth who protested. Denying the demand for 65% reservation based on caste calculations, he said, is a betrayal of the poor and backward communities.
Bhattacharya criticized the government for granting 1,050 acres of land to Adani at a nominal rent of one rupee per year, while 10 lakh trees are set to be cut. Meanwhile, the poor are denied land for habitation. He warned that Bihar must not become a laboratory for corporate exploitation.
Concluding his address, he said, “Bihar must not fall prey to Yogi’s bulldozer rule or corporate loot. Social justice is our right, and no compromise will be accepted.” He called on people to carry forward the legacy of Bhagat Singh’s sacrifice and the power of Dr. Ambedkar’s Constitution to create a movement under the slogan “Change the Government, Change Bihar.”
Resolutions Passed at the Discussion
A state-wide “No Vote to NDA” campaign will be launched to protect democracy and voting rights.
The decision to allot 1,050 acres to Adani will be revoked.
Appeal to include 65% reservation in the Ninth Schedule.
Support for the creation of the “Extremely Backward Community Atrocities Prevention Law” and strengthening the SC-ST Act.
Land reforms and education reforms are essential for achieving social justice.
The event was addressed by former Bihar Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Choudhary, former MP Ali Anwar Ansari, MLC Shashi Yadav, Congress OBC Cell state president Shashi B. Pandit, and AISA co-secretary Kumar Divyam, among others. The session was chaired by Social Justice Movement President Ramanand Paswan, with proceedings conducted by IPF convener Kamlesh Sharma.
