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The Economic Times
The Economic Times

Tejashwi Yadav doing part-time politics in Bihar: JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha

Patna: JD(U) national working president Sanjay Jha on Friday criticised RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav over his party's proposed August 19 march to the Lok Bhavan against the alleged use of an AK-47 by a policeman during a student protest in Siwan last month, saying Yadav was doing "part-time politics" in Bihar.

Talking to reporters here, Jha said Yadav was touring foreign countries when students were protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and returned only after their demands were accepted.

Read more: JDU MP opposes renewal of Farakka Treaty with B'desh, says Bihar's 'interests must be addressed'

"Now, Yadav's party will organise a march to Lok Bhavan on August 19... He is doing part-time politics in Bihar, not full-time," he said.

Yadav had recently announced that the RJD would organise the march to the Lok Bhavan over the alleged use of an AK-47 by police during a student protest in Siwan on July 25.

He has questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident and sought accountability from the Bihar government and the Centre.

Jha said action had already been taken against the policeman who allegedly used an AK-47 during the protest, and questioned the need to hold a procession over the incident now.

Read more: NDA will win all 5 Rajya Sabha seats, next Bihar CM to be decided by top leaders: Sanjay Jha

On July 25, members of Left-wing student organisations staged demonstrations and clashed with police in several districts in support of the Bihar Bandh called against the NEET paper leak and police action against protesting students.

The bandh turned violent in Patna, Saran, Siwan, Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Purnia and Bhojpur, while mild protests were reported in Samastipur, Nawada, Nalanda, Madhubani and Sheikhpura.

Protesters pelted police personnel with stones and bricks at Dak Bungalow crossing in Patna, following which several students were detained.

A police constable was suspended after he was purportedly seen using an AK-47 rifle during the protest in Siwan.

A video purportedly showing the constable using the rifle during the student protest had gone viral on social media.

However, PTI could not independently verify the video's authenticity.

Jha said Yadav should instead visit Ranchi, where students have been protesting over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.

"Since the Mahagathbandhan government is in power there and the RJD is a constituent, Yadav should go to Ranchi and press the state government to accept all demands of the protesting students," he said.

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