Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 26: Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday warned the NDA government in the state that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) would launch a large-scale protest if criminal cases filed against students who participated in the NEET paper leak agitation are not withdrawn.
His remarks came a day after the Centre, during the third round of talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), agreed to withdraw police cases registered against protesting students and provide written confirmation of the withdrawal of FIRs. The CJP subsequently called off its nationwide protest after former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and the government accepted its remaining demands.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Tejashwi Yadav said the students had fought for a fair future and deserved support rather than police action.
"The students who raised their voice against the paper leak were fighting for justice and a better future. Opposition parties stood with them throughout the movement, and we also extended our full support," he said.
The RJD leader questioned why the Centre's assurance on withdrawing cases was allegedly not being implemented in Bihar.
"Yesterday it was decided in Delhi that cases registered against protesters across the country would be withdrawn. Thousands of students have been booked. Then why is Bihar being treated differently?" he asked.
Tejashwi alleged that despite the agreement, police in Bihar were continuing to detain protesters.
He claimed that students had been taken into custody in several districts and alleged that a number of opposition leaders, including RJD MLAs and his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav, were also detained during the protests.
Issuing a warning to the state government, Tejashwi said if all jailed students are not released and the cases against them are not withdrawn by Monday, the RJD would intensify its agitation.
"We are not merely appealing to the government. If the hundreds and thousands of students who have been jailed are not released and all cases against them are not withdrawn by tomorrow, we will launch a major statewide protest," he said.
The former Deputy Chief Minister also accused the police of using excessive force while dealing with demonstrators in various districts.
He alleged that AK-47 rifles were used during police action against protesting students, though he did not provide evidence to support the claim.
Targeting the BJP-led NDA government in Bihar, Tejashwi further alleged that several recruitment and competitive examinations, including NEET, BPSC and constable recruitment tests, had been marred by paper leaks and irregularities.
He argued that examination scams would continue unless the present government was removed from power, alleging that corruption and criminal elements had flourished under the current administration.