Police use lathicharge, water cannons during Congress protest march in Patna, Kanhaiya Kumar, other leaders detained

TOI City Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 11, 2025, 15:21 IST

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Bihar witnessed escalated tensions. Police used water cannons and lathicharge. They dispersed Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar and party workers. The protesters were marching towards the Chief Minister's residence. They were demonstrating against unemployment and water scarcity. Kanhaiya Kumar criticized the state government. He highlighted the issue of migration. He affirmed the 'Palayan Roko, Naukri Do' padyatra would continue.

Police use lathicharge, water cannons during Congress protest march in Patna, Kanhaiya Kumar, other leaders detained

NEW DELHI: Tensions escalated in Bihar on Friday as police used water cannons and resorted to lathicharge to disperse Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar and several party workers participating in the 'Palayan Roko, Naukri Do' padyatra.
The protesters were reportedly attempting to march towards the chief minister's residence when security forces intervened.
The protest aimed to draw attention to the lack of employment opportunities and inadequate water supply in Bihar.

Kanhaiya Kumar criticized the state government, stating, “We are not demanding lathicharge or water cannons. We want water to come through our taps.�?br/>

"We don't want water to be sprayed on us but want that Bihar's 'Nal Jal Yojana' to work properly and people get water in their homes. When the government doesn't provide water in taps then it uses water cannon on students and youths," said Kanhaiya Kumar.
Kanhaiya further stated that the ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do�?padyatra had made a strong beginning by effectively bringing the issues of migration and unemployment to the center of Bihar’s political discourse. He affirmed that the yatra would continue until tangible progress is achieved.
He emphasized that for decades, migration from Bihar has been a matter of compulsion rather than choice.
Dismissing criticism directed at the Congress party, Kumar remarked, “Congress isn’t even in power, so how can it be held responsible? It’s Nitish Ji who has been at the helm for the past 20 years.�?br/>

"First attempt has been successful, as migration and employment have emerged as linked issues in Bihar's political discourse. The Yatra will continue steadily until real progress is made. For decades, migration has been driven by compulsion-people don’t want to migrate. If you look at the data related to migration, you'll see that the highest numbers are from Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, " Kanhaiya Kumar added.

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