Bharat bandh evokes mixed response across state; protest peaceful in most districts
Bharat Bandh
on Wednesday, called by a coalition of 10 central trade unions and supported by the INDIA bloc in Bihar, remained largely peaceful across many districts of the state.
Vehicular movement was thin, markets were shut, and public offices recorded thin attendance. Districts such as Begusarai, Madhepura, Araria, Madhubani, Saran, Khagaria, Gaya, and Buxar witnessed roadblocks, tyre burning, and protest marches led by the Congress, RJD, CPI, and CPI(ML)—though schools, banks, and essential services continued with minimal disruption.
While the INDIA bloc lauded the success of the bandh, BJP leaders downplayed its impact.
Begusarai: Supporters of the INDIA bloc blocked traffic at several points on NH-31, NH-28, and SH-55 in Begusarai. The bandh was led by Congress district president Abhay Kumar Singh Sarjan, CPI district secretary Awadhesh Rai, RJD district president Mohit Yadav, CPI(ML) leader Diwakar, and other Grand Alliance leaders.
Traffic remained disrupted on NH-31 near Begusarai railway station until the afternoon. Vehicles were stranded on NH-31 and NH-28 at Begusarai, Barauni, Teghra, and Bachhwara.
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Markets remained partially open, while schools and colleges functioned normally.
Madhepura: Protesters blocked roads at various locations in the town, affecting traffic for several hours. Agitators set tyres on fire at B N Mandal Chowk and Karpoori Chowk, disrupting vehicular movement.
Heavy vehicles stayed off the roads, while daily traffic remained thin. However, private vehicles and autorickshaws continued to ply.
Local traders shut their shops in the morning to avoid disturbances but reopened them in the afternoon. Government offices and banks functioned with thin attendance.
Araria: Courts and other offices wore a deserted look due to the bandh, which passed peacefully. Shops and other business establishments remained open. Opposition leaders were seen halting traffic at various points in the district. No untoward incidents were reported.
Madhubani: The bandh disrupted normal life in Madhubani.
Protesters blocked roads at Station Chowk and in front of the Collectorate, halting traffic on the Darbhanga-Madhubani main road for over two hours.
The Shaheed Express (14673) was stopped at Madhubani station for 20 minutes.
Both gates of the Collectorate were closed, forcing several employees to return home.
Traffic was restored after the arrest of several leaders, including MLAs Samir Kumar Mahaseth and Bharat Mandal, RJD district president Ramashish Yadav, Congress chief Subodh Mandal, and CPI(ML)'s Dhrub Narain Karn.
Chhapra: The bandh evoked a mixed response in Chhapra and nearby areas.
Private schools remained closed as a precaution, but the university, colleges, and several departments operated normally.
Markets were shut in the first half of the day but reopened later.
The centralised evaluation of answer books at Jagdam College continued undisturbed.
Former media head of BJP Shyam Bihari Agrawal termed the bandh as "flop".
Khagaria: The bandh remained peaceful in Khagaria. Shops and businesses remained closed at Alouli, Beldaur, Chautham, Gogri, Mansi, and Parbatta block headquarters.
However, at the district headquarters, most shops and establishments stayed open.
Traffic was thin on NH-31 and NH-107. Protesters blocked NH-107 near Karua Mor, but traffic was restored after police intervention.
President of the Bihar Pradesh Kisan Manch, Dhirendra Kumar Singh, said that local farmers refrained from participating in the agitation.
Gaya: Most business establishments in the main market areas—Chowk, Bajaja Road, Dhamitola, KP Road—remained closed in the morning.
Auto and e-rickshaw movement was disrupted on routes from Gaya railway station to Sikariya Mor, Mufassil, and Bodh Gaya.
Passengers arriving in Gaya by train faced difficulties in reaching their destinations.
Senior RJD leader and Jehanabad MP Surendra Prasad Yadav led a protest march from Gandhi Maidan to the Chowk area and accused the Union govt of conspiring to deprive underprivileged citizens of their democratic rights.
Police were deployed at key locations in the town as a precautionary measure.
Buxar: A protest march was held in Buxar Town in response to the bandh.
Hundreds of Grand Alliance workers, including RJD, Congress, CPI(ML), VIP, and other Left leaders, blocked Jyoti Prakash Chowk on Station Road in the morning.
Among the participants were Dumraon MLA Ajit Kumar Singh, RJD district president Sheshnath Singh, Buxar Congress MLA Sanjay Kumar Tiwari, Rajpur MLA Vishwanath Ram, former Rajya Sabha MP (CPI) Nagendra Nath Ojha, ex-MP Tej Narayan Singh, and others from CPI(ML), Congress, AIPWA, and affiliated organisations.
The bandh had minimal impact in Dumraon as no road blockades were reported, though traffic remained thin.
Drivers like Mohd Irfan (Deoria) and Krishnanand Singh (Kushinagar) said they avoided entering the city to steer clear of possible traffic jams.
According to Dumraon SDPO Afaque Ansari, police maintained high alert and ensured smooth traffic flow throughout Dumraon.
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