Bihar Police deployed water cannons in Patna on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, to stop a high-profile "Raj Bhavan March" led by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav over recurring examination paper leaks and widespread youth unemployment. The police action occurred near key administrative barricades in the state capital as thousands of RJD leaders, student activists, and supporters attempted to march toward the Governor's residence to register their protest.High-Voltage Protest in PatnaThe foot march, organized by the principal opposition RJD, saw major participation from party lawmakers, youth leaders, and student outfits. Demonstrators assembled in large numbers carrying placards, flags, and raising slogans against the state government's handling of competitive recruitment examinations.As the procession advanced toward the restricted zone surrounding the Raj Bhavan, security forces positioned heavy multi-layer barricades to block the route. When protesters attempted to breach the security perimeter, police personnel operated high-pressure water cannons to disperse the crowd.Tejashwi Yadav & RJD Leaders Decry Police ActionSpeaking to reporters amidst the water cannon deployment, Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav slammed the state government for attempting to suppress peaceful democratic protests."The public has awakened and is on the streets. The government will have to bow down. Such repressive actions will not stop us from fighting for the youth of Bihar," Tejashwi Yadav declared during the march.RJD Member of Parliament Misa Bharti and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha also addressed the gathering, criticizing state agencies for mishandling recruitment drives and targeting student demonstrators. Manoj Jha emphasized that paper leaks have turned into a chronic issue across Bihar, forcing qualified candidates into prolonged unemployment.Core Demands Raised by DemonstratorsThe opposition march consolidated several ongoing grievances regarding the state's educational and employment framework:Demands & Focus AreasStrategic Context & DetailsInvestigation of Paper LeaksDemanding independent judicial or central agency probes into leaked competitive exam papers.Strict Anti-Leak LegislationEnforcing severe punitive measures and blacklisting private testing agencies involved in exam frauds.Timely Job CreationAccelerating government recruitment calendars and filling vacant posts across administrative departments.Protection of Student RightsStopping administrative force and criminal charges against student union activists during peaceful rallies.Political Fallout & Escalating TensionsThe clash in Patna marks a major escalation in the ongoing political battle between the ruling coalition and the RJD-led opposition in the buildup to upcoming legislative proceedings. Opposition leaders warned that if the state administration fails to provide concrete solutions and institutional safeguards for job seekers, protests will expand across every district in Bihar.Police officials maintained that law enforcement personnel acted within regulatory protocols to maintain public order and prevent unpermitted entry into high-security government zones.Also Read :- Jharkhand Government Cancels 22 Exams After Probe Findings Amid Ongoing Protests
