NDA called for a Bihar Bandh in protest against the derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother. The bandh was called from 7 AM to 12 PM. Roads were blocked and markets were shut in many districts.
Bihar Bandh: Thursday was a significant day in Bihar's politics. The women's wing of the NDA called for a Bihar Bandh in protest against the derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother. The bandh was led by women leaders from BJP, JDU, LJP (R), HAM, and RLMO. They stated that a mother is like a goddess and any insult to her honor will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Time Limit and Arrangements for the Bandh
The NDA clarified that the Bihar Bandh would be observed from 7 AM to 12 PM. Essential services and rail services were exempted from the bandh to avoid inconvenience to the general public.
Role of Women Leaders
It appears to be a rare occasion in Bihar's politics where women leaders of the NDA took to the streets to ensure the success of the bandh. The bandh was spearheaded by Dharamshila Gupta, President of BJP Mahila Morcha; Bharti Mehta of JDU Mahila Morcha; Shobha Sinha of LJP (R); Smriti Kushwaha of RLMO; and Smita Sharma of HAM's Women's Cell.
Allegations by Women Leaders
Women leaders from the NDA alleged that the remarks made against PM Modi and his mother are an insult to democratic traditions. They emphasized that a mother is an embodiment of God, carrying and nurturing a child for nine months. Therefore, using insulting language against a mother on any political platform is reprehensible.
The Spark from Darbhanga Spread Anger Across Bihar
The incident in Darbhanga ignited a wave of anger across the state. The NDA stated that this incident is shameful not only for Bihar but for the entire country. The lack of an apology from the Mahagathbandhan further fueled the NDA's anger.
NH 31 Blocked in Begusarai
The impact of the bandh was evident in Begusarai. NDA workers blocked NH 31 at Baliya Station Chowk. Circle Officer Ravi Kumar was present with his team, attempting to manage the situation.
Road Blockade in Jamui
In Jamui, workers also staged a protest by blocking the road at Kachahari Chowk. During the protest, workers chanted slogans like "We will not tolerate insult to Modi Ji's mother."
Sports Minister and MLAs Hit the Streets
Several prominent leaders came out onto the streets to ensure the success of the bandh. In Begusarai, Sports Minister Surendra Mehta, JDU MLA Rajkumar Singh, and the BJP District President joined the workers on the streets, raising slogans of "Har Har Mahadev."
Protest by Women in Sitamarhi
In Sitamarhi, NDA women leaders protested in the city during the bandh. They bly criticized the Mahagathbandhan, stating that those who play with the honor of women will be answered by the public.
Impact Also Seen in Nawada and Banka
In Nawada, NDA workers blocked the road at Prajatantra Chowk to enforce the bandh. Meanwhile, in Banka, BJP MLA Ramanarayan Mandal participated in the bandh along with workers.
80% Shops Closed in Bettiah
The bandh had a significant impact in Bettiah. Approximately 80 percent of the shops in the city remained closed. The streets were deserted, and vehicular movement on the National Highway was almost halted.
Hajipur-Muzaffarpur NH 22 Blocked
In Hajipur, NDA workers blocked NH 22 and other roads. In Hajipur city, Mahanar Road, and several blocks, workers came out on the streets from the morning, chanting slogans and blocking the roads.
Appeal to Close Shops in Sitamarhi
In Sitamarhi, MLA Dr. Mithilesh Kumar appealed to shopkeepers at Kargil Chowk to keep their shops closed. Workers also staged a protest alongside him.
In Arrah, BJP workers were seen blocking the road near Mathia Mod and raising b slogans. Here, workers shouted slogans like "Rahul Gandhi apologize" and "Rahul-Tejashwi go back." In Sahar, the Sahar-Arwal bridge was also blocked.