Patna, Aug 14: JD(U) national working president Sanjay Jha on Friday accused RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav of pursuing “part-time politics” in Bihar while questioning the opposition party’s decision to hold a march over an alleged police rifle-use incident in Siwan.The RJD has announced a march to the Lok Bhavan on August 19 over the alleged use of an AK-47 by a policeman during a student protest in Siwan on July 25.Speaking to reporters, Jha claimed that Yadav was outside the country when students were staging protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and returned after their demands were addressed.
Jha said the RJD’s proposed march showed what he described as Yadav’s limited engagement with issues in Bihar.Yadav has questioned the circumstances surrounding the Siwan incident and sought accountability from the Bihar government and the Centre.
The controversy erupted after a video purportedly showing a police constable using an AK-47 during the July 25 protest circulated on social media. The constable was subsequently suspended, according to the report.Jha said action had already been taken against the policeman and questioned the need for the proposed procession.
The July 25 demonstrations were organised by Left-affiliated student groups in support of a Bihar bandh called over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against protesting students.The bandh witnessed clashes in several districts, including Patna, Saran, Siwan, Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Purnia and Bhojpur. Protests were also reported in several other districts.In Patna, protesters allegedly pelted police personnel with stones and bricks at Dak Bungalow Crossing, following which several students were detained.
The authenticity of the video purportedly showing the policeman using the rifle has not been independently verified.Jha also asked Yadav to focus on student protests in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. He pointed out that the RJD is a constituent of the government in Jharkhand and said Yadav should use his position to press the state government to address the protesters’ demands.
The exchange comes amid heightened political activity in Bihar, with both the ruling alliance and opposition parties continuing to target each other over student protests, law-and-order issues and governance.
