The controversy regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar has spilled over to the streets and railway tracks. The coalition-led strike and roadblock called on Wednesday had widespread impact. Protests were intense from roads to railway stations, with reports of burning tires, halted trains, and roadblocks. Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav led a march in Patna. Find here 7 key updates about today's blockade:
1. Roads Blocked, Gandhi Setu Closed
The blockade began in Hajipur, where RJD workers jammed the Gandhi Setu. Subsequently, National Highway 30 in Patna's Maner was disrupted. The blockade affected transport from Patna to cities like Hajipur, Darbhanga, and Purnia.
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2. Protesters on Railway Tracks
At Jehanabad's Court station, the Patna-Gaya train was stopped. Congress workers staged a sit-in on the tracks at Secretariat Halt station in Patna. In Darbhanga, the Bihar Sampark Kranti Express was halted as protesters chanted slogans on the railway tracks.
3. Maner Sees Arson and Roadblocks
In Maner, RJD workers protested by burning tires. Such incidents of arson were reported at multiple locations, causing significant inconvenience to the public across the capital and other cities.
4. Government Strikes Back
Deputy CM Vijay Sinha commented, 'The Election Commission seeks to raise awareness; what's wrong with that? It's aimed at transparency, not for any particular caste or party.' BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur added, 'People like Tejashwi and Rahul Gandhi cannot protect the constitution. The public is not with them.'
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5. Tejashwi's Sharp Attack
Speaking to the media, Tejashwi Yadav questioned, 'Will two Gujaratis decide who in Bihar gets to vote?' Addressing the participating workers, he claimed, 'Names of poor are being removed from voter lists; this strong-arming by Modi-Nitish won't work.'
6. Rahul Gandhi Targets Election Commission
During the march in Patna, Rahul Gandhi accused, 'Efforts to hijack the election in Bihar, akin to Maharashtra, are underway. The Election Commission serves BJP, neglecting its constitutional duty.'
Source: aajtak
7. Impact on Train Services
On Wednesday, the Bihar bandh impacted several trains, with nearly a dozen services mostly in the Samastipur division being affected.
