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Bihar’s politics has always been a matter of national attention—whether due to caste equations, coalition shifts, or heated election battles. This time, the state was shaken after a Congress leader in Darbhanga, during a voter rights campaign, used a derogatory reference toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother. The remark sparked outrage, and within hours, NDA and BJP workers launched a five-hour Bihar bandh (shutdown) across the state.
From Patna’s busiest crossroads to remote towns in Seemanchal, the bandh made its presence felt. Shops closed, streets turned silent, tires burned on highways, and slogans filled the air. This wasn’t just another protest—it looked more like a political preview of what lies ahead in Bihar’s elections.
Why Was the Bandh Called?
The controversy began when:
- A Congress leader at a campaign event in Darbhanga used offensive words for PM Modi’s mother.
- BJP leaders strongly condemned the remark, saying it was “not just an attack on Prime Minister Modi, but an insult to every citizen of India.
- NDA leaders declared they would not let such remarks go unanswered.
The call for a five-hour statewide bandh was both a symbolic act of resistance and a show of strength.
Duration and Nature of the Shutdown
- Timing: From 9 AM to 2 PM (total 5 hours).
- Character: Declared as a “peaceful bandh,” but road blockades, tire burning, and sloganeering turned it into a high-voltage protest.
- Objective: To send a loud, united message that personal insults will not be tolerated.
District-Wise Impact of Bihar Bandh
Patna – The Political Nerve Center
- Dakbungalow Chowk and Income-Tax Golambar became protest hotspots.
- BJP workers sat on roads, raising slogans.
- Traffic snarls extended for kilometers.
- Police deployment was heavy to keep things under control.
Siwan – Transport Comes to a Halt
- Main markets were shut.
- Auto-rickshaws and tempos disappeared from the streets.
- The bandh brought the town’s routine to a standstill.
Katihar – Tire Fires and Street Protests
- The protest was spearheaded by former Deputy Chief Minister Tarkishore Prasad along with Mayor Usha Devi Agrawal, who actively led the demonstrations.
- Tires were set ablaze at Mirchai Bari Chowk.
- Slogans targeted Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav.
- Passengers stuck in traffic suffered long delays.
Aurangabad & Tandwa – Forced Market Closures
- Local markets remained completely shut.
- “Local shopkeepers stated that they were left with no option but to keep their shutters down during the bandh.
- Economic activity was paralyzed for the day.
Banka – National Highway Blocked
- NH-333A (Panjwara–Godda Highway) was blocked for hours.
- Commuters stranded midway had no relief.
- Shops remained closed under pressure from protesters.
Gopalganj – Major Jam on NH-27
- National Highway 27 witnessed a long blockade.
- Hundreds of vehicles lined up as BJP workers blocked roads.
- Shops in towns and villages downed shutters.
Hajipur – Women Lead the Charge
- Women demonstrators actively joined the bandh, raising slogans that declared any insult to Prime Minister Modi as an insult to the entire nation
- Vehicle movement slowed but did not stop entirely.
- A disciplined yet forceful protest marked the bandh here.
Araria (Kursakanta) – Police on High Alert
- Mixed response: some shops remained open, some closed.
- Police stood guard at key junctions.
- Roadblocks were controlled to prevent escalation.
Purnia – A Symbolic Bandh
- Shops were shut, but traffic flowed normally.
- Many described it as “symbolic compliance under political pressure.”
Munger (Tarapur) – MLA Leads the Protest
- JDU legislator Rajiv Singh stepped onto the streets himself, marching alongside party workers to support the protest.
- Roads were blocked, and markets forced to close.
- The bandh here gained significant traction.
Bhagalpur – The Most Intense Protest
- The bandh was aggressive here.
- Police resorted to lathi-charge to control crowds.
- Authorities remained on full alert.
Political Background: NDA vs. Mahagathbandhan
- The bandh wasn’t just a reaction—it was a political message.
- BJP framed it as a “battle for dignity,” emphasizing respect for leaders’ families.
- Congress and the Mahagathbandhan dismissed it as “a distraction from real issues.”
- With elections approaching, both sides are sharpening narratives around the incident.
Impact on Common People
- The bandh didn’t just stay political—it touched ordinary lives.
- Patients struggled to reach hospitals.
- Students missed exams and coaching classes.
- Traders reported heavy financial losses.
- Daily commuters were stranded for hours.
Social Media Buzz
- In the digital age, no protest is limited to streets.
- On Twitter and Facebook, #BiharBandh trended throughout the day.
- BJP leaders posted live videos, urging public support.
- Opposition leaders mocked the bandh as “drama politics.”
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👉 “Bihar bandh today NDA protest”
FAQs
Q1: Why was Bihar bandh called today?
A1: NDA and BJP called the bandh after a Congress leader made a derogatory remark against PM Modi’s mother during a Darbhanga rally.
Q2: How long did the bandh last?
A2: It lasted five hours—from 9 AM to 2 PM—affecting life across multiple districts.
Q3: Which districts saw the maximum impact?
A3: Patna, Katihar, Bhagalpur, and Munger witnessed the strongest protests and blockades.
Q4: Who led the protests?
A4: Prominent figures included ex-Deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad in Katihar and JDU MLA Rajiv Singh in Munger, along with local NDA workers.
Q5: How did it affect the public?
A5: Roads were blocked, shops shut, students missed classes, and patients faced difficulties reaching hospitals.