Lok Bhawan march was taken out in Patna on Wednesday on the call of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and leader of opposition in the assembly Tejashwi Yadav regarding the examination system in Bihar, alleged paper leak, unemployment and issues related to students and youth. A large number of RJD workers and supporters from different districts of Bihar participated in this march that started from JP Golambar. The protesters raised slogans against the government and targeted the government regarding the demands of the students and youth.
This march of about five kilometers long was led by Tejashwi Yadav. A large number of workers proceeded with him towards Lok Bhawan. During the demonstration, the tricolor flag was also seen in the hands of the workers instead of the RJD flag.
The protesters prominently raised issues like alleged paper leak, unemployment, alleged irregularities in the examination system and alleged police action against students. During the march, the protesters broke the barricades put up by the police near Dakbungla intersection and tried to move forward.
After this there was a situation of tension between the police and the protesters. Police used water cannon near the Income Tax intersection to stop the protesters. Even after the use of water cannon, some workers continued trying to move forward. Seeing the protest turning violent, the police detained many prominent RJD leaders including Tejashwi Yadav.
Before being taken into custody, Tejashwi Yadav attacked the government and said that he is not afraid of going to jail. He said, “Whoever has come to power, his departure is certain.” Responding to the use of water cannon, Tejashwi Yadav said, “All this has happened on the orders of Samrat Chaudhary. It is not going to make any difference. The public has woken up and is on the streets. Now the government will have to bow down. This will not work. We will fight until justice is done to the students.”
In this demonstration of RJD, other issues including the case of alleged firing from AK-47 during the student movement in Siwan were also raised. RJD alleges that the problems of students and youth in the state are not being taken seriously.
The party also raised questions on the government regarding the examination system and law and order. RJD MP Manoj Jha said that students and youth across the country, especially students and youth of Bihar, are angry over the repeated alleged paper leaks and unemployment.
He said that instead of suppressing the voice of students, the government should solve their problems. RJD leaders say that the purpose of the Lok Bhawan march was to convey their voice to the government regarding the alleged poor condition of the examination system in the state, unemployment, students' problems and law and order related issues. At the same time, after breaking of barricades and use of water cannon by the police during the march, there was a tense situation on the streets of Patna for some time.
Even after Tejashwi Yadav was taken into custody, there was anger among RJD workers against the government. The workers continued raising slogans and demanding answers from the government on the issues of students and youth. Due to the demonstration, traffic on many major routes of Patna was also affected.