PATNA: Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, on Tuesday led a roadshow in support of Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan)-backed RJD candidate Rekha Gupta for the Bankipur Assembly by-election.
Addressing an election gathering before the roadshow, Tejashwi Yadav said the outcome of the Bankipur by-election would have implications beyond the constituency and could become a milestone in national politics.
“The public's support for change indicates that the political direction of both Bihar and the country is set to change,” he said.
Speaking to IANS, Tejashwi accused the Bihar government of delaying the release of students arrested during recent protests despite announcing the withdrawal of cases against them.
He claimed that while the government had issued a press release regarding the withdrawal of cases, the required executive order had not yet been sent to district authorities, preventing the students' release.
“The Bihar government has only issued a press release. The executive order has not been sent to the districts. If the anti-student NDA government does not release the students by 7 p.m. tomorrow, we will launch a 'Halla Bol' agitation the following morning to secure their release,” he said.
Tejashwi also said the large turnout during the roadshow reflected growing public support for political change.
“The people of Bankipur have been waiting for development for 35 years. The overwhelming response during this roadshow shows that they are determined to bring about change,” he said.
Launching a sharp attack on the NDA government, Tejashwi alleged that Bihar had witnessed deteriorating law and order, rising inflation, unemployment, corruption, and a decline in the education and healthcare sectors during its tenure.
He further alleged that corruption was flourishing under government protection and claimed that despite the BJP being in power at both the Centre and the state, development remained absent.
“Without a change in government, the welfare of farmers, labourers, students, women, and the common people cannot be ensured. The double-engine government has prioritised the interests of a select few instead of the people,” he alleged.
Reiterating his support for the recent student protests, Tejashwi demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged use of an AK-47 during police action against demonstrators.
He also repeated his promise that if the RJD forms the government in Bihar, students who were arrested during the protests would be honoured and provided pensions on the lines of those who participated in the 1974 JP Movement.
The second day's roadshow began at Pehalwan Market and passed through Boring Road Crossing, Rajapur Bridge, Dusri Masjid, Police Line Crossing, Lodipur Main Road, China Kothi, North Mandiri, Income Tax Golambar, Kidwai Puri, before concluding near Chakram Devi Temple.
Tejashwi Yadav and Rekha Gupta greeted supporters with folded hands from the campaign vehicle as crowds lined the route, welcoming them with drums and traditional musical performances ahead of the July 30 by-election.
