Patna, July 22, 2026
Political reactions intensified on Wednesday following clashes between police and student protesters during a march in Patna over alleged examination paper leaks and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Student protesters, led by the All India Students Association (AISA), marched from Gandhi Maidan towards Raj Bhavan, raising slogans against the Union government.
Police attempted to stop the procession by using barricades, water cannons, and tear gas shells.
When protesters refused to disperse, and the situation escalated, police carried out cane charge to disperse the crowd.
Reacting to the developments, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Rohini Acharya, the daughter of RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav, criticised the police action against the student protesters.
In a post on social media platform X, she described the use of cane charges, tear gas, and water cannons against students as “tragic” and “condemnable”.
Rohini Acharya said that students and young people have a constitutional right to raise their concerns through peaceful protest in a democracy.
She alleged that instead of engaging with their demands, the Union government attempted to suppress dissent through force, which she described as reflecting a dictatorial mindset.
She also called on the Union government to initiate dialogue with the students, take cognisance of the incident, and examine the conduct of the police and administrative officials involved.
In another social media post, Rohini Acharya launched a broader political attack on the NDA government at the Centre, alleging that governments cannot permanently suppress public dissent.
She asserted that democratic accountability would ultimately prevail and accused the Union government of resorting to repression instead of addressing public concerns.
Her remarks were made in the context of ongoing nationwide protests over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks, with several opposition parties and student organisations demanding reforms in the examination system and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
According to reports, tensions continued later in the day, with clashes occurring at multiple locations in the city.
Separate confrontations were also reported between Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress workers. Authorities intervened to restore order.
The demonstrations in Patna formed part of a wider movement by student organisations seeking action over alleged paper leaks, examination reforms, and other education-related issues.
Authorities deployed heavy security across key locations in the city to maintain law and order following the day’s unrest.
Police have said that force was used after protesters attempted to breach barricades, and the law-and-order situation deteriorated.
Student organisations, on the other hand, have alleged that the police response was excessive and have continued to press their demands for reforms and accountability.(Agency)
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