Patna, Aug 15: Independent Purnia MP Pappu Yadav on Saturday announced a one-day hunger strike in Patna on August 16 over rising crime in Bihar, student grievances and alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, warning that the protest could be extended indefinitely if the government fails to respond to his demands.
Yadav made the announcement during a visit to Hajipur, where he met the family of slain contractor Naresh Rai and criticised the state government and administration over the killing.
The MP said the hunger strike would be held at Gardanibagh in Patna and described it as the beginning of a broader campaign against what he termed the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Bihar.
“This is just the beginning,” Yadav said, warning, “If the government’s attitude does not change, the hunger strike will be extended indefinitely.”
He also threatened a wider shutdown in Bihar if his demands were not addressed.
Yadav said one of the key issues behind his protest was the alleged rise in crime and murders in the state, demanding stronger action against criminals.
“Criminals are roaming freely in Bihar and killings are continuing,” he said.
The MP also said he would raise issues concerning students, including the ongoing student movement, alleged discrepancies in BPSC examinations and what he described as injustices faced by aspirants.
Another issue on his agenda is the language policy in examinations and education. Yadav opposed what he described as an 80 per cent preference for English over Hindi, arguing that the language issue needed to be addressed.
The independent MP also launched a sharp political attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, linking his proposed agitation to the broader Opposition campaign.
“Until Amit Shah resigns, our leader Rahul Gandhi has clearly stated that he will not let the government sleep peacefully even for a day,” Yadav said.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi will remember Rahul Gandhi every day, even in his dreams,” he added.
Yadav’s announcement has added a fresh political dimension to Bihar’s ongoing debates over crime, student grievances and recruitment examinations.
Attention is now focused on Sunday’s proposed hunger strike and whether other Opposition parties will extend support to the agitation.
