A five-hour Bihar bandh called by the BJP on September 4 turned into controversy in Jehanabad. The shutdown was organized to protest against offensive remarks made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother. However, an incident involving a female teacher, Dipti Rani, attracted a lot of attention on social media.
The incident happened near Arwal Mor in Jehanabad. As BJP supporters enforced the bandh, Dipti Rani, who teaches at the Government Girls Inter School, was on her way to work. Supporters stopped her vehicle during the protest, leading to a heated argument and a scuffle. A video of this clash went viral, showing the tense moments.
BJP workers claim that Dipti Rani used abusive language against Prime Minister Modi and supported opposition protesters. However, the teacher denies these accusations. She says, “I was simply going to school to teach the children. I am not involved in politics. I only wanted to reach my school safely.”
The police had to step in to ensure her safety and escort her to school. After the video spread online, the Jehanabad District Education Officer (DEO), Saraswati Kumari, took action. She issued a show-cause notice to Dipti Rani, criticizing her behavior as irresponsible and against the rules for government employees. The notice asked the teacher to explain within 24 hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against her. If no response is received, the department said it would assume she has no explanation and proceed accordingly.
This controversy arose after the arrest of Mohammad Rizvi alias Raja in Darbhanga on August 27. He allegedly made abusive comments about PM Modi and his late mother during the INDIA bloc’s Voter Adhikar Yatra, prompting BJP to demand action. In protest, the party called for the Bihar bandh on September 4.
While BJP supporters accused Dipti Rani of supporting the opposition, she maintained her innocence, saying her only concern was reaching her school. The incident has started a wider debate about teachers’ conduct during protests, the impact of political demonstrations, and students’ right to education during bandhs.
This story highlights how political protests can sometimes lead to unexpected and controversial situations, raising questions about the role of teachers and the importance of maintaining discipline during sensitive times.
