Patna: Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav joined a protest by research scholars at Gardanibagh in Patna on Sunday, observing a one-day fast in support of their demands.
Yadav was seen at the protest site holding a photograph of Bhagat Singh. He also symbolically wrapped a blue scarf around his neck, saying that students were being pushed to a point where they felt they had no other option.
He warned that if the government failed to respond to the students’ demands, the protesters could call a Bihar bandh and launch an indefinite fast.
“The Prime Minister is labeling the country’s youth as ‘Urban Naxals’. Students’ voices are going unheard in Bihar,” Yadav said. “If the government does not accept our demands, we will call for a Bihar bandh and embark on an indefinite fast.”
Police and the administration have increased security around the Gardanibagh protest site during the MP’s fast.
Research Scholars On 13-Day Hunger Strike
Candidates under the banner of the All Ph.D. Holder and Research Scholar Association of Bihar have been on an indefinite hunger strike at Gardanibagh for the past 13 days.
Their demands include implementation of Table 3A of the UGC Regulations 2018 for Assistant Professor recruitment, introduction of a domicile policy in Bihar and cancellation of the 70th BPSC examination.
The research scholars say repeated appeals to the government have not resulted in concrete action.
You may like to read this article as well:
Bihar PhD Scholar On Hunger Strike in Patna For 6 Days, Demands Age Limit Be Raised To 55
Demand For Permanent Assistant Professor Recruitment
A key demand is the implementation of Table 3A of the UGC Regulations 2018 for the recruitment of Assistant Professors in Bihar.
The protesters are also demanding that the maximum age limit for Assistant Professor candidates be increased to 55 years.
They have called for Assistant Professor appointments in Bihar’s universities to be made on a permanent and regular basis, arguing that this would help fill posts that have remained vacant for extended periods.
Yadav had visited the Gardanibagh protest on Friday and expressed his support for the research scholars. His one-day fast on Sunday marks a further escalation of his involvement in the agitation.
