Political tensions have intensified in Bihar following the police lathi-charge on candidates protesting over the delayed TRE-4 (4th Teacher Recruitment Examination), to be conducted by the BPSC. The incident, which occurred soon after the formation of the new government, has raised several questions over the administration’s handling of the protest.
Thousands of candidates gathered in Patna demanding the release of the TRE-4 teacher recruitment notification. Police later resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the protesters. Female candidates also allegedly faced police action, with some protesters claiming that police personnel trampled them with their feet. Demonstrators further questioned the absence of women police personnel during the crackdown.
Amid the uproar, Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari has landed in controversy over his remarks on the protest.
Two videos featuring the minister have gone viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from the Congress and other opposition parties. In one of the videos, Tiwari is heard speaking about female protesters.
In the clip, he says, “What is the need for agitation? The daughters of our homes are our strength… they are the foundation of our prosperity… why should those daughters need to come out onto the streets when Modi ji is standing for women’s empowerment…”
When someone responds, “For their rights,” Tiwari replies, “You will get your rights anyway…”
The video triggered widespread criticism online. Congress leader Srinivas BV, while sharing the clip on X, wrote, “Meet Bihar’s new Education Minister… don’t forget to spit…”
Responding to the controversy, Tiwari said that the Indian Youth Congress had distorted his statement. He clarified that he never said girls do not need education. According to the minister, his point was that since the government was already in talks with student leaders, there was no need for agitation.
The Education Minister also hinted at possible relief for TRE-4 aspirants, saying that discussions with officials would be held to work out a solution regarding the vacancies.
Meanwhile, another video of Tiwari, showing him performing religious rituals at a temple, was shared by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on its official X handle on Monday. The post read, “This is Bihar’s Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari. Nitish Kumar ruined Bihar’s excellent education system over 21 years, and now Tiwari ji will provide quality education through exorcism and rituals.”
The RJD further wrote, “Cheen ke skoolon mein AI! Bihaar ke skoolon mein ojhaee! (AI in China’s schools! Exorcism in Bihar’s schools!) The good days have arrived! The Amrit Kaal has begun!)
The opposition party also claimed that RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had appointed 2,20,000 teachers during his short tenure in government, adding that teacher aspirants are now being lathi-charged merely for demanding jobs.