Patna: Patna witnessed heightened protest activity on Monday as farmers, workers, students and youth took to the streets over a range of demands, prompting extensive police deployment across the city.
One protest march was organised from Gate No. 10 of Gandhi Maidan, while students of the Bihar University of Health Sciences separately demonstrated over examination results.
Protesters March From Gandhi Maidan
The Aakrosh March from Gandhi Maidan brought together farmers, agricultural workers, labourers, students and activists associated with the AISF, CPI, AIKF and other Left organisations.
The protesters raised issues including floods, droughts and what they described as anti-people policies. Posters and banners carried demands such as finding permanent solutions to floods and droughts, providing relief to flood victims on a war footing and ending what they termed the stigma attached to unaided education.
The march moved towards JP Golambar before proceeding towards Dakbungalow Crossing.
Police Detain Protesters
As protesters attempted to advance beyond the barricades, a confrontation broke out between police and activists associated with the AISF, CPI, AIKF and other Left organisations.
Police began detaining protesters at Dakbungalow Crossing. Videos from the spot showed police personnel taking away both male and female protesters.
A heated exchange was also reported between protesters and SDPO Kamakhya Narayan Singh.
Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma, City SP (West) Sanket Kumar and City SP (East) Shailaja were present as additional police personnel were deployed in the area.
Demands Include Jobs And Workers’ Rights
The protesters also raised demands relating to employment, regularisation of scheme workers and payment of minimum honorarium to labourers.
Another demand raised during the demonstration was the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
A woman carrying a bamboo pole fitted with nails also drew attention at the protest site. She claimed she had taken the pole from police personnel and questioned the circumstances in which it was being carried.
She said she intended to take the pole to Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary to highlight what she described as the situation under the government.
Health University Students Protest Results
Separately, students of the Bihar University of Health Sciences staged a protest over examination results.
The students alleged that around 95% of candidates had failed their examinations, though the figure has not been officially confirmed.
They said the alleged mass failure was jeopardising students’ futures and demanded a review of the results and resolution of their grievances.
MP Pappu Yadav was also expected to join the students’ protest, according to reports.
Heavy Police Deployment
Patna Police made extensive security arrangements in anticipation of the protests.
Large iron barricades were installed at Dakbungalow Crossing, while additional personnel were deployed to regulate the movement of protesters and manage traffic on major routes.
The September 28 protest had been announced in advance by student and youth organisations, including the AISF and AIYF, which had called for participation in a march towards Lok Bhavan.
