Tejashwi Yadav backs Aug 25 student protest, questions Bihar govt

Patna, Aug 22 (IANS) Bihar Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has announced the RJD’s full support for the student movement planned for August 25, including the proposed march to the Chief Minister’s residence.

Asked whether he would personally join the students on the streets that day, Tejashwi said he would communicate his decision at the appropriate time.

Targeting the Bihar government over the ongoing student protests at Gardanibagh in Patna, Tejashwi said students were distressed but alleged that the government was not paying attention to their concerns. He stressed that the government should hold discussions with the protesting students, arguing that their problems could not be resolved without dialogue.

Tejashwi also raised concerns about Bihar’s financial condition. He claimed that the state’s finances were in serious difficulty and alleged that the government could eventually face problems in paying employees’ salaries and pensions.

He further accused the government of widespread corruption and alleged that Bihar’s expenditure was exceeding its income, forcing the state to depend heavily on borrowing.

On the reported reduction in the Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme’s loan limit from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, Tejashwi said the scheme had been introduced under the Saat Nischay programme during the Mahagathbandhan government’s tenure. He alleged that the reduction reflected the government’s deteriorating financial position.

Tejashwi also claimed that every person in Bihar carries a debt burden of around Rs 27,000, linking the figure to the state’s increasing borrowing.

He questioned the government over incidents involving pellet guns and AK‑47 firing in Bihar, asking who authorised the use of force and demanding an explanation.

He also alleged irregularities in extending contractual employees’ tenures and raised broader questions about the state government’s functioning and administration.

On rising sugar prices, Tejashwi criticised the Centre and warned that inflationary pressures could increase further.

Overall, his remarks combined support for the ongoing student agitation with criticism of the Bihar government’s handling of student grievances, financial management, alleged corruption and law‑and‑order issues.

–IANS

ajk/dan