Teacher recruitment row: Protesters detained after scuffle with police in Lucknow

In Lucknow, candidates protesting over the 69,000 teacher recruitment issue clashed with police on Monday. The situation escalated into heated arguments and scuffles, after which police detained the protesters and took them to Eco Garden.

Around 50 candidates gathered outside the Samajwadi Party office at approximately 11:00 am, planning to march towards the Deputy Chief Minister’s residence. The protesters wore banners with slogans such as “I am an unfortunate, backward, and Dalit” and “The Supreme Court is casteist.”

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As the protesters attempted to move ahead from the party office, police stopped them. The candidates alleged that police personnel tore their banners, leading to verbal arguments that soon turned into pushing and shoving. The commotion lasted for nearly 20 minutes.

The protesters said they would continue their agitation daily. They claimed they have been struggling for the past two years without getting justice. They accused Union minister Anupriya Patel and Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya of betraying backward classes, alleging that both leaders are only focused on protecting their political positions.

Candidates from reserved categories alleged that in the recruitment process, OBC candidates received only 3.86% reservation instead of 27%, and SC candidates received 16.2% instead of the mandated 21%. Due to the dispute, the Allahabad High Court had earlier cancelled the selection list of 6,800 posts and ordered a revised merit list as per rules.

The matter is currently under hearing in the Supreme Court. The protesting candidates continue to demand re-evaluation and the release of a new merit list.