Politics – Tejashwi Yadav Promises Pension Support for Students Affected During Bihar Protests
Politics – The final phase of campaigning for the Bankipur Assembly by-election witnessed a major political announcement from Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav. Addressing reporters before launching a roadshow in support of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Rekha Gupta, he said that students who suffered injuries or were imprisoned during recent protest movements would receive a pension if an RJD-led government comes to power in the state.
Support for Students at the Center of Campaign
Tejashwi reiterated his party’s support for the students who participated in the recent demonstrations across Bihar. He argued that those who faced legal action or physical harm while taking part in the protests deserved recognition and assistance rather than punishment.
Speaking about the police cases registered against demonstrators, he alleged that the state government decided to withdraw the First Information Reports (FIRs) only after mounting public criticism. According to him, the administration acted under pressure instead of addressing the concerns of protesting students at the outset.
Demand for Judicial Investigation
The RJD leader also renewed his demand for an independent judicial inquiry into allegations related to the reported use of AK-47 rifles during efforts to control the protests. He maintained that the matter remains unresolved and requires an impartial investigation.
Tejashwi said a judicial probe should establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged deployment of such weapons during the demonstrations. He emphasized that a transparent inquiry would help determine accountability and restore public confidence.
Pension Promise Linked to Historic Movement
Highlighting his proposed welfare measure, Tejashwi drew a comparison with the pension scheme available to individuals associated with the historic Jayaprakash (JP) Movement. He said a similar model would be introduced for students who were either jailed or sustained injuries during the recent protests if the RJD forms the next government in Bihar.
According to his announcement, the proposed pension would recognize the hardships faced by students during the agitation. The promise forms part of the party’s campaign outreach ahead of the by-election.
Confidence Ahead of Bankipur By-Election
Launching the final leg of his campaign, Tejashwi expressed confidence that the RJD would secure victory in the Bankipur Assembly by-election. He said party workers had remained actively engaged with voters throughout the campaign and claimed that the response from the public had been encouraging.
He also asserted that there was growing dissatisfaction among voters with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), adding that his party was receiving consistent support from residents during its public outreach efforts.
Remarks on Prime Minister’s Proposed Visit
During his interaction with the media, Tejashwi further claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had initially planned to campaign in Bihar for the by-election but later cancelled the visit. According to the RJD leader, the decision reflected the ruling party’s assessment of public sentiment in the state.
No official statement was cited regarding the reason for the reported change in the Prime Minister’s campaign schedule.
Campaign Nears Conclusion
Campaigning for the Bankipur Assembly by-election is scheduled to conclude at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, after which political activities related to canvassing will come to a halt in accordance with election regulations. Voting will take place in the next phase, with all major political parties making their final appeals to the electorate before polling begins.
The by-election has drawn significant political attention, with competing parties highlighting governance, public welfare, and student-related issues as key themes during the campaign. The outcome is expected to be closely watched as Bihar’s political landscape continues to evolve.