Protests have intensified in Bihar over the alleged recent lathi charge on TRE-4 candidates, with anger growing among political and student organisations. On 8 May, in response to police action against peacefully protesting candidates in Patna, the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist), AISA, and RYA carried out a statewide protest on Saturday, during which they burned effigies of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
The protests were simultaneously organised in several district headquarters including Patna, Begusarai, Arrah, Siwan, Darbhanga, Gaya, Bihar Sharif, and Samastipur, where a large number of students and youths expressed their anger against the government.
Main protest at GPO Golambar, Patna
In the capital Patna, hundreds of students and youths participated in the main protest held at GPO Golambar. Protesters raised slogans against the government and strongly condemned the alleged police brutality on TRE-4 candidates.
During the protest, several leaders and activists took part in the effigy burning programme, including K.D. Yadav, Kamlesh Sharma, Jitendra Kumar, Kumar Divyam, Punit Pathak, Vinay Kumar, Murtaza Ali, Anuradha Singh, Satyendra Kumar, Abhishek Kumar, Naushad, Asha Devi, and others.
“Attack on the future of youth” organisations’ allegation
Addressing the gathering, leaders said that the youth who should be responsible for the future education system of the country are being treated like criminals on the streets. They alleged that during the lathi charge, several candidates suffered head injuries and dozens were injured, while women candidates were also subjected to inhumane treatment.
They termed it not just an administrative action but “state-sponsored repression” against youth struggling for employment and democratic rights.
Government under pressure over unemployment
The protesters also raised the issue of unemployment and severe shortage of teachers in Bihar. They said that thousands of posts remain vacant in government schools, yet instead of initiating new recruitments, the government is using force against protesting candidates.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist), AISA, and RYA accused the BJP–JD(U) government of failing to provide employment and alleged that whenever youth come to the streets demanding their rights, administrative force is used to suppress the movement.
Demands and warning
The organisations demanded immediate release of TRE-4 vacancies, acceptance of all legitimate demands, action against officials involved in the lathi charge, and proper treatment and compensation for injured candidates.
They also warned that if the government does not take prompt action, the movement will be intensified further and expanded across the state.
