Paschim Medinipur district erupted in protests on Friday as jobless teachers blocked roads, demonstrated against the Supreme Court's verdict and one of the agitating teachers made an alarming statement warning the state government.
Abhijit Giri, who claimed to be a university topper, issued a dire warning saying, “If I use the same hand that once solved mathematical problems to make a bomb, will the state be able to stop me? Will it be able to control people like me?”
Giri is one of those 26,000 faces who were terminated on Thursday, following the apex court’s order in a recruitment scam case.
Expressing his frustration with the system, Giri said, “If we are not reinstated with dignity, a new revolution will arise from Midnapore—one that could be more terrifying than the freedom struggle.”
Although Giri later clarified that he had no intention of resorting to violence, his words sparked concern and debate. Giri insisted that he valued education and responsibility, adding, “I have knowledge. I am not ignorant like politicians and ministers. I hold a pen in my hand, not a weapon.”
The protests, which followed the Supreme Court’s decision, saw teachers in tears and blocking roads, some even lying in front of vehicles to express their despair. Many of them lamented that they had worked with dignity for years, only to find themselves suddenly jobless.
“Yesterday, we could not even enter our schools because the panel was dissolved. How will we face our students?” asked one protesting teacher.
Another teacher, Krishnagopal Chakraborty, emphasised that they had secured their positions through merit, not political connections.
“Yet, our jobs were cancelled. Now, we are forced to sit on the streets. If our demands are not met, we will bring our families and continue our protests,” he stated.
The protesters placed the blame on the state government, directly criticising the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for focusing on political conflicts instead of resolving the crisis. As tensions rise, the threat of escalating protests — and the unsettling rhetoric surrounding them — continues to worry the authorities.
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