Tejashwi Yadav Threatens Major Protests Over FIRs Against NEET Protesters in Bihar

Kohima, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: Bihar Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA Tejashwi Yadav has issued a stern warning to the Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, indicating that significant protests will ensue if the cases lodged against the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) paper leak protesters are not withdrawn. This statement reflects the growing tension between the state government and the opposition parties regarding the treatment of students who took to the streets to voice their grievances.

The backdrop to Yadav's remarks is the recent agreement reached between the Central government and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an organization that has been at the forefront of a nationwide agitation concerning the NEET paper leak. Following the third round of discussions, the Centre has reportedly consented to withdraw all police cases filed against the protesting students and provide written confirmation of these withdrawals. This decision came after the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which was a key demand of the CJP.

The CJP had called off its agitation on Saturday after the government agreed to meet its remaining demands, which included the withdrawal of FIRs against students who participated in the protests. However, Yadav's comments suggest that the situation in Bihar remains fraught with tension, as he claims that many students continue to face legal repercussions despite the central government's assurances.

In a press conference held in Patna, Yadav emphasized the importance of the students' struggle, stating, "The students who protested against the paper leak issue have fought a battle for their better future. The opposition parties have supported them... We have also joined this struggle in support of their cause." His comments underline the solidarity among various political factions in Bihar concerning the students' plight.

Yadav raised concerns over the handling of the situation in Bihar, questioning the discrepancy between the central government's commitments and the actions taken by state authorities. "The big question that arises is that yesterday an agreement was reached in Delhi that cases lodged against protesters across the states where this movement took place will be withdrawn. Thousands of people have been booked," he noted. This raises critical questions about the autonomy of state law enforcement and the extent to which local governments adhere to federal directives.

Furthermore, Yadav accused the Bihar government of continuing to detain students despite the central government's agreement, stating, "The way the government and the police took action in almost every district, scores of students have been detained in every district of the state. Several of our MLAs were also detained, and so has been my elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav." This highlights the extent of the crackdown on dissent and the potential political ramifications for the ruling party in Bihar.

Yadav's rhetoric escalates the situation as he warned that failure to withdraw the charges against the detained students would lead to major protests. "When it was decided yesterday that the cases would be withdrawn, how is this being handled separately in Bihar? We do not want to make just an appeal; we want to warn the government that if, by tomorrow, all cases against those who have been jailed — the hundreds and thousands of students who are the future of Bihar and the country — are not withdrawn and they are not released, then we will launch a major protest," he stated. This ultimatum places significant pressure on the Bihar government to act swiftly to avoid further unrest.

In addition to the immediate concerns surrounding the protests, Yadav's statements reflect broader issues of governance and accountability in Bihar. He criticized the police's actions during the protests, alleging that excessive force was used against students. "AK-47 was used to fire on students yesterday," he claimed, which, if true, raises severe questions about the appropriate use of force by law enforcement in civil unrest situations.

Moreover, Yadav's criticisms extend to the NDA government's handling of examination integrity in the state. He pointed out that various examinations, including those for constable recruitment, the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), and NEET, have been marred by allegations of paper leaks and irregularities. "Whether it is constable recruitment, BPSC, NEET, or any other examination, large-scale irregularities and scams have taken place, and question papers have been leaked. Therefore, until and unless we unite to pull down this current government, this issue (of paper leaks) won't stop. Criminals and corrupt people are the ones calling the shots in this government," he concluded. This assertion not only underscores the opposition's narrative of corruption within the ruling party but also resonates with the frustrations of students and parents alike who are concerned about the integrity of educational assessments.

The implications of Yadav's statements and the ongoing protests are significant for the political landscape in Bihar. As the opposition rallies support for the students, the NDA government faces mounting pressure to address both the grievances of the protesters and the broader issues of governance that have led to such widespread discontent. The outcome of this situation could have lasting effects on public trust in the government, the political fortunes of the NDA in Bihar, and the future of student activism in the region.

In conclusion, Tejashwi Yadav's threats of major protests highlight a critical juncture in Bihar's political climate, where student activism intersects with allegations of governmental corruption and mismanagement. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the actions of the Bihar government in response to the opposition's demands and the central government's commitments, which could set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future.