Patna, July 28: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not go ahead with a proposed visit to Bihar because of public resentment over the government’s handling of recent student protests and concerns over the upcoming Bankipur Assembly by-election.
Addressing reporters during the election campaign, Yadav alleged that the Prime Minister had been expected to visit the state to inaugurate a bridge but decided against the trip after assessing the political situation.
There has been no official confirmation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the Bihar government regarding any proposed visit or its cancellation.The RJD leader described the July 30 Bankipur bypoll as a crucial political contest and asserted that the ruling party was facing growing public dissatisfaction.
He claimed that the government’s recent decision to withdraw cases against student protesters and release those arrested reflected increasing pressure from public opinion following demonstrations linked to the alleged NEET paper leak.The Bihar government had earlier announced that criminal cases filed against protesters would be withdrawn and those detained during the agitation would be released. The move came days after protests turned violent in parts of the state.
Yadav, however, maintained that the government’s decision was insufficient. He reiterated his demand for a judicial inquiry into the police action during the protests, particularly an incident in Siwan district in which a police constable allegedly fired an AK-47 rifle while attempting to control demonstrators.
The constable has since been suspended pending further investigation.The opposition leader also announced that, if voted to power, his party would introduce a pension scheme for individuals jailed during the recent student protests. He said the proposal would be similar to the benefits provided to activists who were imprisoned during the Emergency for participating in the Jayaprakash Narayan movement.
The Bankipur bypoll has drawn considerable political attention, with major parties intensifying their campaigns ahead of polling. While the BJP is seeking to retain the seat, opposition parties are attempting to capitalize on the political fallout from the recent protests.
The BJP had not issued an immediate response to Yadav’s allegations at the time of filing this report.
