New Delhi, Dec 26: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the BJP on Thursday regarding the police response to protesters seeking jobs in Patna, asserting that the only focus of the ruling party is to cling to power while anyone who demands employment is subjected to oppression.
The situation escalated during a protest in Patna on Wednesday linked to the alleged leak of a question paper for the December 13 combined preliminary exam organized by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), which led to police using batons against job seekers.
Protesters reported that several individuals were injured as a result of the police actions, although a senior police officer refuted these claims.
“Using batons on young individuals who were merely raising their hands in peaceful protest is utterly cruel. Under BJP governance, youth who call for jobs find themselves met with violence. Whether in UP, Bihar, or Madhya Pradesh – if young people speak out, they are mercilessly assaulted,” Priyanka Gandhi stated in a post on her WhatsApp channel, written in Hindi.
“It is the responsibility of the government to prepare for the future of the youth in the world’s youngest nation and to create appropriate policies. However, the BJP seems only concerned with maintaining its position,” she added.
The Congress party condemned the police actions against job seekers, while Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, announced plans for a Bihar bandh on January 1, 2025, unless the December 13 combined preliminary exam is annulled.
A case has been filed against the protesters following Wednesday’s events. The police denied any wrongdoing as job seekers affirmed that many were hurt during the baton charge.
Footage of the police confronting job seekers circulated widely on social media, with some clips depicting officers pursuing and assaulting demonstrators, including women.
PTI could not verify the legitimacy of the circulated videos.
Protesters were recorded chanting slogans against BPSC officials, demanding the cancellation of the December 13 combined preliminary examination.
The job seekers have been urging the BPSC to cancel the preliminary exam and to promptly announce a new test date. (PTI)
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