Lucknow- In a recent exchange between Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the PM responded to Yadav's criticism by affirming that all 140 crore Indians are part of his family.

This response triggered a wave of solidarity among BJP leaders nationwide, who promptly modified their social media handles to include "Modi ka parivar" (Modi's family). However, amidst this display of unity, candidates protesting for over 630 days in Lucknow over the teachers recruitment scam, took a satirical stance by wielding placards emblazoned with the message "We too are Modi's family, We are facing injustice."

In the UP capital, Lucknow, 6800 candidates from reserved categories aspiring for recruitment of 69,000 teachers vacancies gathered at the Education Minister's residence, on Thursday, holding placards that read, "We too are from Modi's family."

This protest marked 631 days of continuous demonstrations for their demands. Earlier, they have surrounded the residences of the Chief Minister, Deputy CM, and Education Minister multiple times.

On Thursday, they gheraoed the Education Minister's residence and began chanting slogans, prompting a large police presence. The police assured them a meeting with the Education Minister, after which the protest ceased, and the candidates were escorted to Eco Garden.

For the past 631 days, candidates have been engaged in continuous protests demanding justice for the allocation of 6800 reserved posts in the 69000 teacher recruitment drive in Uttar Pradesh. These candidates allege significant discrepancies in the allocation of these reserved posts. The Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath too had expressed concern over these discrepancies and has instructed authorities to investigate and take appropriate action as per regulations. However, the protesting candidates claim that their grievances have fallen on deaf ears, with neither officials nor the Education Minister addressing their concerns.

On Thursday, all the protesting candidates converged on the residence of Education Minister Sandeep Singh, demanding immediate appointments. They raised their voices through loud slogans, echoing their demands. The previous day, Wednesday, saw the candidates staging a protest from the residence of the Basic Education Minister to the Directorate of Basic Education in Nishatganj.

Heavy police deployment was observed at the minister's residence as the candidates continued their demonstration, chanting slogans such as "Education Minister, deliver justice, it is Modi's guarantee." Additionally, some candidates held placards proclaiming, "We are also from Modi's family," to further emphasize their plea for justice.

Despite the efforts of the police to calm the protesting candidates, they remained steadfast in their demands. Consequently, the police sought a meeting with the Education Minister to address the grievances.

An Additional SP ranked lady officer indicated ongoing discussions with the Education Minister, with plans to introduce a group of candidates to the Minister by evening, if time permits.

Meanwhile, the case related to the 69000 teacher recruitment is being heard in the double bench of Lucknow High Court. However, candidates allege that government lawyers are not adequately representing their interests in court, but instead opposing the reserved candidates.

Incensed by this perceived betrayal, the candidates intensified their protest by encircling the Education Minister's residence. Candidate Amarendra Patel highlighted the gross irregularities in implementing reservation policies in the 69000 teacher recruitment, resulting in denied job opportunities for reserved category candidates.

Following numerous protests, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath acknowledged the issue and directed the officials to rectify the discrepancies. He ordered officials to provide appointments to candidates from the oppressed Dalit Backward Class, thereby addressing the longstanding grievance.

Subsequently, the Basic Education Department officials released a list promising appointments to 6800 Dalit Backward Class candidates after rectifying the discrepancies. However, despite these assurances, justice has yet to be served, leaving the candidates still awaiting resolution to their plight.

Translated by Geetha Sunil Pillai

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