Patna: Bihar witnessed massive statewide protests as leaders and workers of the INDIA bloc — including the RJD, Congress, and various Left parties — joined forces to oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the Centre’s new labour code policies. The coordinated demonstrations disrupted transport, rail services, and public life across multiple districts.
From early morning, visuals of blocked highways, burning tyres, and occupied railway tracks painted a picture of growing public unrest. Protesters claimed that the Election Commission of India’s decision to carry out the SIR process so close to the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections was politically motivated and aimed at skewing the electoral process in favour of the NDA government.
In Hajipur, key entry points like the Gandhi Setu bridge were brought to a halt as RJD supporters staged sit-ins. In Sonpur, RJD MLA Mukesh Roshan led a protest amid a heavy police presence. Jehanabad saw members of the RJD’s student wing taking over train tracks, delaying several long-distance trains passing through the region.
Leaders across the INDIA bloc have condemned what they describe as an “undemocratic attempt” to manipulate electoral rolls. Speaking at a press meet on Monday, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, “The hurried nature of this voter list revision raises serious doubts. It is an open attempt to disenfranchise targeted communities and gain unfair political advantage.” He was joined by Bihar Congress president Rajesh Kumar and representatives from CPI and CPI(M), who echoed similar concerns.
Adding weight to the demonstrations, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to join Tejashwi Yadav for a protest march in Patna today. The two will reportedly walk from the Income Tax roundabout to the Election Commission office, presenting a formal memorandum demanding a halt to the SIR process and rollback of the labour code changes.
The protest coincided with the nationwide Bharat Bandh called by central trade unions demanding labour reforms, fair wages, and social security guarantees. This overlap further intensified the turnout in several cities, creating widespread disruption in both public and private sectors.
