Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders, including Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and party MP Misa Bharti, were detained by Patna police on Wednesday, August 19, during a protest march towards the Lok Bhawan.

The protest was organised against what the RJD described as the “dictatorial attitude” of the state government and over the alleged firing of an AK-47 rifle at student protesters in Siwan district last month.

Protesters Stopped at Barricades

The RJD leaders and supporters marched towards the Lok Bhawan but were stopped by police near Income Tax Chouraha, where barricades had been put up to prevent the protesters from moving ahead.

When protesters attempted to cross the barricades, police used water cannons to disperse the gathering.

Several RJD leaders were subsequently detained by the police.

Tejashwi Leads Protest

Tejashwi Yadav, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, participated in the march along with senior RJD leaders and party workers.

The protest comes amid the Opposition's continued criticism of the state government's handling of incidents involving students and protesters.

The RJD has alleged that the government has failed to adequately address the concerns surrounding the Siwan incident.

Misa Bharti Among Detainees

RJD MP Misa Bharti, the elder daughter of party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, was also among those detained during the demonstration.

Party workers gathered in large numbers as the march proceeded towards the Lok Bhawan. Police deployed barricades and security personnel along the route in anticipation of the protest.

Siwan Firing Incident

The demonstration was also linked to an alleged incident in Siwan district, where an AK-47 rifle was reportedly fired at student protesters last month.

The RJD has raised the incident as an issue of law and order and has demanded accountability from the state government.

The party has accused the government of adopting an authoritarian approach towards protesters and opposition voices.

Police Use Water Cannons

The confrontation escalated when protesters attempted to move beyond the barricades. Police used water cannons to push the demonstrators back and prevent them from proceeding towards the Lok Bhawan.

The detention of senior RJD leaders followed the police action.

The protest and subsequent detentions are likely to intensify the political confrontation between the RJD and the state government, particularly with the Opposition continuing to raise questions over law and order.

RJD Steps Up Opposition

The latest demonstration reflects the RJD's effort to put pressure on the government through street protests over issues it considers politically and socially significant.

With Tejashwi Yadav at the forefront, the party has continued to challenge the government's handling of public protests and law-and-order matters.

The developments in Patna come against the backdrop of a politically charged atmosphere in Bihar, with the Opposition seeking to mobilise supporters around issues involving students, governance and public safety.