Bihar Bandh Sparks Disruption as Opposition Protests Voter List Revision

Patna: The impact of the Mahagathbandhan-led Bihar Bandh was visible across the state on Tuesday, as opposition supporters staged widespread protests against the ongoing voter list revision exercise. The bandh, called by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and supported by Congress, led to disruption of rail and road traffic, with tensions reported in several districts.

In Darbhanga, RJD workers halted the Namo-Bharat train, while in Hajipur, protesters blocked the crucial Mahatma Gandhi Setu. Demonstrators carrying party flags and banners were seen occupying highways and railway tracks, disrupting daily movement in cities including Patna, Purnia, Hajipur, Jehanabad and Danapur.

In Patna district’s Maner area, the National Highway-30 was blocked, and in Jehanabad, RJD workers obstructed train services on the Patna-Gaya route at the Court Station. Instances of arson and vandalism were reported, particularly in Danapur, as RJD leaders intensified their agitation.

The protest is centred around the Election Commission’s ongoing special summary revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar — a process the opposition alleges is aimed at voter suppression. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to arrive in Patna from Delhi to join the protest alongside RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav. According to Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram, Rahul Gandhi may also visit the family of Gopal Khemka, though details remain unconfirmed.

“This bandh is being observed over two key issues. It’s being supported by those who feel their right to vote is under threat,” he said. “Whenever democracy is in danger, Rahul Gandhi has taken to the streets. Today, the right to vote is under attack and we are fighting for it.”

Rajesh Ram also criticised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, stating, “There’s a difference between decisions taken from Delhi and those taken with ground realities in mind. If such a revision was necessary, it should have been done before the Lok Sabha elections.”

In response, ruling Janata Dal (United) leaders dismissed the opposition’s claims. JDU spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan defended the revision process, saying, “The special revision is on track, with forms of nearly four crore voters submitted to the Election Commission. The opposition is panicking as its political ground is slipping in Bihar.”

BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur went further, alleging the bandh was a political stunt. “There is no real public support for this bandh. A few miscreants are creating disturbances, and the administration is monitoring the situation. Strict action will follow,” he said.