Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Bihar Government Amid Student Protests

Shillong, India Aug 27, 2026 ALN: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized the BJP-led Bihar government in response to ongoing student protests, accusing it of using police as a tool to evade accountability. His comments were prompted by a viral video featuring a six-year-old boy making bold statements at a student protest in Patna before being taken away by police.

Social media buzzed with rumors that the boy, identified as Aditya from Punaichak locality in Patna, had been "arrested" for participating in the protests. However, police clarified that he was kept at the station for his safety and was later returned to his mother, who works as a house help.

In a post on X, Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed concern over the students' frustrations regarding irregularities in recruitment exams. He questioned, "Why are there irregularities in recruitment exams? Why no action on allegations of paper leaks? And how long will this tampering with the future of the youth continue?"

Gandhi pointed out that the controversy surrounding the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exams is not new. Students have been protesting for an extended period over issues related to the recruitment process, exam patterns, delays, and transparency. Instead of addressing these concerns, he noted, the government has resorted to using batons and water cannons against students.

6-Year-Old Boy Gains Attention for His Bold Remarks

Aditya, the six-year-old boy, has captured public attention for his audacious remarks during the protests. Dressed in a T-shirt and denim trousers, with a traditional ‘tilak’ on his forehead, he participated in the protest demanding changes related to the BPSC examinations. After being returned to his parents, police advised them to be more cautious with him.

Aditya made headlines by stating, “Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary should resign, and action should be taken against those who ordered the lathi-charge,” while happily engaging with journalists. His comments, made with the innocence of a child yet resonating with profound implications for the youth of Bihar, have struck a chord with many, illustrating the depth of frustration felt by students regarding the current state of governance and education in the state.

Tejashwi Yadav Accuses Government of 'Crushing' Youth's Future

Bihar's Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, also addressed the situation by visiting students injured during the protests. He spoke to those receiving treatment at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and condemned the government's actions. Yadav criticized the ruling party for what he termed as a systematic effort to suppress the voices of the youth, stating that the government’s response to peaceful protests was disproportionate and indicative of its failure to engage with the pressing issues faced by the student community.

Thousands of students clashed with police on Tuesday when they attempted to march to the chief minister’s residence to voice their demands, highlighting the growing unrest among the youth in Bihar. The protests are not merely a reaction to immediate grievances but are reflective of a broader discontent with the state’s handling of education and employment opportunities. The BPSC exams have been mired in controversy for several years, with allegations of corruption and mismanagement frequently surfacing, leading to a loss of faith among students in the system designed to facilitate their entry into government services.

The BPSC, which conducts exams for various government posts in Bihar, has faced criticism for its opaque processes and alleged irregularities. Reports of paper leaks and favoritism have further fueled the anger among aspirants who invest significant time and resources in preparing for these competitive exams, only to find their efforts undermined by systemic flaws. This situation has led to a series of protests, with students demanding not only immediate redressal of their grievances but also comprehensive reforms in the examination system to ensure fairness and transparency.

The implications of these protests extend beyond the immediate demands of the students. They signal a growing awareness and mobilization among the youth in Bihar, a demographic that is crucial for the future political landscape of the state. As more students become active in voicing their concerns, political parties may be compelled to take their issues seriously, potentially reshaping the political discourse in Bihar. The involvement of prominent leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav in these protests may also indicate a strategic move to align with the youth vote bank, which could be pivotal in upcoming elections.

Moreover, the government's heavy-handed response to these protests raises questions about its commitment to democratic principles and the right to peaceful assembly. The use of police force against students, especially when they are protesting issues that directly affect their futures, has sparked a debate about the role of law enforcement in managing civil unrest and the ethical implications of such actions. Critics argue that the government should engage in dialogue with students rather than resorting to force, suggesting that a failure to do so could lead to further unrest and disillusionment among the youth.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the Bihar government will respond to these protests and the criticisms leveled against it. The outcome could have significant ramifications not only for the current administration but also for the broader socio-political environment in Bihar, particularly in relation to youth engagement and governance. The voices of young protesters, exemplified by the bold statements of a six-year-old boy, may serve as a catalyst for change, urging the government to reconsider its approach to education and employment in the state.