Patna, July 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday led a roadshow in support of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Rekha Gupta, backed by the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan), for the Bankipur Assembly by-election, while warning of a protest movement if students arrested during recent demonstrations are not released.
Addressing an election gathering ahead of the roadshow, Tejashwi said the outcome of the Bankipur by-election would have significance beyond the constituency and could influence the political direction of Bihar and the country.
“The public’s support for change indicates that the political direction of both Bihar and the country is set to change,” he said.
Speaking to IANS, the RJD leader accused the Bihar government of delaying the release of students despite announcing the withdrawal of cases registered against them during protests. He claimed that while the government had issued a press statement regarding the withdrawal, the formal executive order required for implementation had not been sent to district authorities.
Tejashwi warned that if the students were not released by 7 pm on Wednesday, his party would launch a “Halla Bol” agitation the following morning.
He said the response received during the roadshow reflected public dissatisfaction and claimed that people of Bankipur had been waiting for development for several decades.
Targeting the NDA government, Tejashwi alleged that Bihar had witnessed worsening law and order, unemployment, inflation, corruption and setbacks in education and healthcare during its tenure. He claimed that despite the BJP being in power at both the Centre and the state, development had not reached ordinary citizens.
He also reiterated his support for recent student protests and demanded a judicial inquiry into allegations regarding the use of an AK-47 during police action against demonstrators.
Tejashwi further stated that if the RJD-led alliance forms the government in Bihar, students arrested during the protests would be honoured and provided pensions similar to those given to participants of the 1974 JP Movement.
The roadshow, held ahead of the July 30 by-election, began at Pehalwan Market and passed through several parts of Patna, including Boring Road Crossing, Rajapur Bridge, Police Line Crossing, Income Tax Golambar and Kidwai Puri before concluding near Chakram Devi Temple. Supporters gathered along the route and welcomed Tejashwi Yadav and Rekha Gupta with drums and traditional performances.
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