Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, on Tuesday, 28 July led a high-energy roadshow in Bankipur, Patna in support of Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan)-backed RJD candidate Rekha Gupta ahead of the Bankipur Assembly by-election scheduled for 30 July. The campaign drew large crowds along a route spanning key localities, with Yadav warning that the NDA government had until 7 pm the following day to release students arrested during recent protests — or face a mass agitation.

The Student Release Ultimatum

Addressing supporters before the roadshow, Tejashwi alleged that the Bihar government had stalled the release of students arrested during recent protests despite publicly announcing the withdrawal of cases against them. He claimed that while a press release had been issued, the necessary executive order had not been dispatched to district authorities, leaving students behind bars.

'The Bihar government has only issued a press release. The executive order has not been sent to the districts. If the anti-student NDA government does not release the students by 7 p.m. tomorrow, we will launch a Halla Bol agitation the following morning to secure their release,' he said.

Tejashwi also demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged use of an AK-47 during police action against demonstrators — a claim that, if verified, would mark a serious escalation in the handling of student protests in the state.

Bankipur By-Election Stakes

Tejashwi framed the Bankipur by-election as a bellwether contest with implications beyond the constituency. 'The public's support for change indicates that the political direction of both Bihar and the country is set to change,' he said, adding that residents of Bankipur had 'been waiting for development for 35 years.'

The roadshow — its second day of campaigning — began at Pehalwan Market and wound through Boring Road Crossing, Rajapur Bridge, Dusri Masjid, Police Line Crossing, Lodipur Main Road, China Kothi, North Mandiri, Income Tax Golambar, and Kidwai Puri, concluding near Chakram Devi Temple. Crowds lined the route, welcoming the campaign vehicle with drums and traditional musical performances.

Broad Attack on NDA Governance

Tejashwi mounted a sharp critique of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), alleging deteriorating law and order, rising inflation, unemployment, corruption, and declining education and healthcare standards during its tenure in Bihar. He alleged that corruption was 'flourishing under government protection' and argued that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s presence at both the Centre and the state had failed to translate into tangible development.

'Without a change in government, the welfare of farmers, labourers, students, women, and the common people cannot be ensured. The double-engine government has prioritised the interests of a select few instead of the people,' he alleged.

Promise to Honour Arrested Students

Reiterating a campaign pledge, Tejashwi promised that if the RJD forms the next government in Bihar, students arrested during the protests would be honoured and provided pensions on the lines of those who participated in the 1974 JP Movement — a historically resonant comparison invoking the anti-Emergency agitation that shaped Bihar's political identity. With the by-election just days away, the coming hours will test whether the ultimatum on student releases reshapes the final stretch of campaigning.