"One Kachori, Two Samosas": Teacher Aspirants Storm Bhopal Streets Over Recruitment Vacancies
Teacher aspirants in Bhopal protest against the MP government, demanding an increase in Class 2 and 3 vacancies and written assurances.
The streets of Bhopal witnessed a surge of anger and desperation on Thursday as hundreds of teacher recruitment candidates gathered at Roshanpura Square. The protesters, aspiring for Class 2 and Class 3 teaching positions in Madhya Pradesh, staged a massive demonstration demanding a significant increase in the number of available posts, accusing the state government and the Education Minister of breaking their promises.
Slogans and Satire: The Mood at Roshanpura Square
The protest was marked by a mix of intense frustration and biting satire. Candidates were heard chanting slogans like "Inquilab Zindabad" and accusing the Education Minister of being a liar or "missing" from the scene. In a particularly punchy display of public resentment, the protesters chanted, "Ek kachori do samosa, Shiksha Mantri ka kya bharosa?" (One kachori, two samosas, how can we trust the Education Minister?), highlighting their lack of faith in the government's verbal assurances.
A Long Battle for Employment
Speaking to the media, candidate Narendra Rajput revealed that this is not a sudden outburst but a prolonged struggle. According to Rajput, the agitation began as far back as November 17, 2025, even before the examination results were officially declared.
He recalled a "historic" protest on January 6, where thousands of aspirants occupied the roads of Madhya Pradesh. "At that time, we were given assurances that the number of posts would be increased, yet that never happened," Rajput stated, emphasizing that the candidates feel betrayed by the authorities.
The Demand for Parity and Proof
The protesters are not just asking for more jobs; they are backing their demands with data. Rajput pointed out that in previous recruitment cycles, the government had increased posts following results. He cited specific instances from 2018 and 2022 where promotions occurred in 22 and 23 cases, respectively. He further argued that other states, including Uttar Pradesh, have followed similar patterns of increasing vacancies.
Regarding the 50 per cent reservation for guest teachers, Rajput clarified that the candidates are not opposed to the policy itself. However, they argue that the total number of advertised posts should have been calculated and increased to accommodate such reservations without shrinking the overall opportunity for other candidates.
Hunger Strikes and a Demand for Written Guarantees
The desperation of the aspirants has reached a critical point, with some candidates resorting to extreme measures to grab the government's attention. Reports indicate that some protesters have undertaken hunger strikes, including waterless fasts, risking their health to voice their grievances.
The candidates are now demanding a written response from the government. Rajput stated that if the Education Minister explicitly puts in writing that the posts cannot be increased, they would consider leaving. However, they are insisting on a formal document that ensures the future of young aspirants is not jeopardized.
Political Backing and Next Steps
The protest has also taken a political turn, with candidates chanting that "Rahul Gandhi is with us." This follows a letter sent by the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on September 29, urging the state government to address the candidates' demands and increase the Class 2 and 3 vacancies.
The aspirants have made it clear that they will not back down easily. They intend to seek a direct meeting with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, asserting their democratic right to question the government they elected. "We'll keep protesting as long as we can," Rajput asserted, rejecting calls for voluntary surrender and stating that as educated citizens, they are fully aware of their rights.