Political tensions rose in Patna as clashes erupted between police and student protesters during a march over alleged exam paper leaks and calls for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Led by the All India Students Association (AISA), protesters marched from Gandhi Maidan to Raj Bhavan, criticizing the Union government. Police used barricades, water cannons, and tear gas to halt the procession, resorting to a cane charge when protesters refused to disperse.
Reactions poured in following the incident, with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Rohini Acharya, daughter of RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav, condemning the police action against the students. Acharya took to social media to denounce the use of force, emphasizing the right of students to peaceful protest in a democracy. She urged the government to engage with the students’ demands rather than suppress dissent through coercive measures, calling for a dialogue and scrutiny of the police’s conduct.
In a broader critique on social media, Acharya launched a political attack on the NDA government, accusing it of attempting to stifle public dissent. She highlighted ongoing nationwide protests over exam irregularities and leaks, with demands for reforms and the Education Minister’s resignation. The day saw continued tensions in Patna, with clashes at various sites and separate altercations between BJP and Congress supporters, necessitating intervention by authorities to restore order.
