Employment Crisis – Rahul Gandhi Criticises Bihar Police Action During Patna Protest
Employment Crisis – Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticism of the BJP-led government on Saturday following the police crackdown on teacher recruitment aspirants protesting in Patna over delayed vacancies.
The Congress leader accused the Bihar administration of using force against unemployed youth who were peacefully demanding recruitment opportunities. In a statement shared on his official social media account, Gandhi alleged that teacher aspirants were once again subjected to baton charges while raising their voices for jobs and fair recruitment procedures.
Opposition Targets Government Over Unemployment
Rahul Gandhi said unemployment continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing the country, particularly affecting young people in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. He claimed that many educated candidates with degrees and professional qualifications are struggling to secure stable employment despite years of preparation.
According to Gandhi, the government has failed to address the concerns of job seekers and instead responded harshly whenever students or aspirants protest against recruitment delays. He further stated that young people are no longer prepared to stay silent on employment-related issues and asserted that the Congress party supports their demands.
Massive Demonstration Erupts in Patna
The political remarks came after a large protest by teacher recruitment aspirants in Patna on Friday. Thousands of candidates gathered to demand the release of the Teachers Recruitment Examination-4 (TRE-4) notification by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).
The demonstrators marched peacefully through parts of the city while seeking clarity on the recruitment advertisement, which they claimed had been delayed multiple times. Protesters alleged that uncertainty surrounding the recruitment schedule had created anxiety among candidates preparing for government teaching positions.
Police Action Near JP Golambar
Tensions escalated near JP Golambar when police attempted to stop the advancing crowd. Authorities reportedly used lathi-charge measures after some protesters allegedly tried to cross barricades placed along the route.
Several aspirants were injured during the confrontation. Videos shared on social media platforms showed chaotic scenes as police personnel chased demonstrators through nearby streets while participants attempted to disperse.
Eyewitnesses at the scene claimed a number of students suffered injuries during the police action. The visuals quickly spread online, triggering reactions from political leaders and student organisations.
Aspirants Demand Recruitment Clarity
Officials indicated that nearly 5,000 candidates participated in the march, which reportedly began near Patna College and moved toward the BPSC office. The primary demand of the protesters was the immediate publication of the TRE-4 recruitment notification.
Teacher aspirants accused the commission of repeatedly delaying the process and failing to provide a clear timeline regarding the release of the advertisement. Many candidates expressed concern that prolonged uncertainty could affect their preparation and future career prospects.
The incident has once again brought attention to the growing frustration among government job aspirants in Bihar, where competitive recruitment examinations attract lakhs of applicants every year. Opposition parties have also continued to target the state and central governments over unemployment and recruitment delays.
Meanwhile, authorities have not yet announced any fresh timeline regarding the TRE-4 notification, even as political debate surrounding the protest continues to intensify.